King Charles Coronation: Katy Perry dazzles at Westminster Abbey

American singer songwriter Katy Perry looked spectacular in a pink dress and large hat with a necklace featuring a royal crown, as she smiled politely to those around her.

She earlier revealed her highlight would be an overnight stay at Windsor Castle, where she was formally invited to stay ahead of her headlining the Coronation concert.

A rich royal blue carpet – chosen to highlight the regal red, gold and purple robes of the King and Queen – adorned the dais in the coronation theatre.

Stunning flowers in reds, burgundies and yellow golds covered the top of the ornate golden High Altar.

Dozens of ushers were on hand to direct people to their seats.

There was a lot of celebrity spotting available due to King Charles’ love and support for the arts.

British actors Judi Dench and Emma Thompson arriving just before Joanna Lumley. Kenneth Branagh, the former husband of Thompson, is also there while comedian and broadcaster Stephen Fry was one of the first to enter the Abbey.

American superstar Lional Ritchie caused a buzz as did British TV hosts Ant and Dec.

Australian businessman and philanthropist Sir Michael Hintze, in his red Lord’s robe, secured a seat at the front of the peers’ section.

In the crowd bankers, judges in their wigs, former prime ministers and current MPs, charity workers and military veterans in dress regalia mingling.

In Australia’s corner of the Abbey, comic presenter Adam Hills chatted with rocker Nick Cave about the “biggest show on Earth” as he encouraged those around him to play a secret game of star spotting.

“My top spot is Harry, looking forward to seeing Prince,” he joked.

Nearby former foreign minister Julie Bishop said her top spot was “obviously their majesties”.

Key political figures, celebrties and world leaders are among the 2,000 Coronation attendees – and it is worth noting that, as a state occasion, the government controls the guest list.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is due to attend, alongside cabinet ministers and peers from the House of Lords.

And according to reports, former British prime ministers such as Liz Truss and Tony Blair will be there, as well as the new First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and French President Emmanuel Macron will be there.

It comes after King Charles’s state visit to France was postponed in March due to protests, but a source told the Times Mr Macron would attend to show his “friendship, respect and esteem” for the UK.

US First Lady Jill Biden is attending wtih US President Joe Biden’s granddaughter Finnegan, who is the second child of the scandal-plagued Hunter Biden.

US President Joe Biden told King Charles he would not be attending during a phone call in April, but confirmed First Lady Jill Biden would take his place, the BBC reports.

Polish President Andrzej Duda has said he is planning to attend – and local news reports say Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos will be there.

It is also understood that religious leaders and representatives from across the Commonwealth will attend.

In a break with tradition, members of foreign royal families are reported to be travelling to London for the ceremony.

This includes Monaco’s Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko and Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, who will be accompanied by his daughter Crown Princess Victoria.

It is also understood that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who met the King for tea at Windsor Castle in February, will be there.

Originally published as King Charles coronation: Katy Perry dazzles at Westminster Abbey