THE King’s coronation service at Westminster Abbey was watched by more than 18 million viewers in the UK, provisional figures have shown.

The lavish ceremony on Saturday (May 6) which saw Charles and Camilla crowned was broadcast around the world between about 11am and 1pm.

An average of 18.8 million people watched across 11 channels and services, with audience figures peaking at 20.4 million when the King was crowned just after midday, according to overnight ratings released by the research organisation Barb.

Our reporter Megan O'Neill was lucky enough to get a ring-side seat to see history happen in front of her eyes. 

Megan secured a spot in the press stand on Queen Victoria Memorial, opposite Buckingham Palace, and was among the first to photograph the newly-crowned King and Queen.

A British expat who participated in preparations for the late Queen’s coronation in 1953 says worldwide interest in royal events shows that “human beings love ceremony”.

This was evident as thousands headed to the capital to get in on the action.

Heavy rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of visitors hoping to see the King and Queen on their way to Westminster Abbey.

Fans cheered Charles and Camilla as they travelled down the Mall, with many holding Union flag umbrellas and wearing waterproof ponchos.

All procession viewing areas along the route were filled to capacity and those who could not get in were encouraged to make their way towards Hyde Park where the coronation was being screened.

Read more - BEHIND THE SCENES: In the press tent at the King’s Coronation

52 arrests were made throughout the day as anti-monarchist protesters were “determined to disrupt” the coronation, said the Met.

The Met said it received information that protesters were going to disrupt the coronation – including defacing public monuments with paint, breaching barriers and disrupting official movements.

The coronation flypast was cut short due to high cloud coverage, but the Red Arrows still made an appearance resulting in cheers and clapping from crowds outside Buckingham Palace.

A Royal Air Force (RAF) officer aboard one of the planes forced to withdraw from the coronation flypast has said the operation was “good operational practice”.

The coronation celebrations will continue on Sunday (May 7) with big lunches attended by royals and a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle.

Relive the historic occasion through 50 of our favourite photos.