Ant and Dec, Katy Perry, Emma Thompson and Lionel Richie among celebrities at King’s coronation

Celebrities such as Ant and Dec, Katy Perry, Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson are among the many stars present at the King’s coronation.

Over 2,000 people have been invited to Westminster Abbey, including around 100 heads of state, kings and queens from around the world and everyday heroes.

Arriving early, actor and comedian Stephen Fry was one of the first famous faces to arrive at the Abbey.

Katy Perry, singer of I Kissed A Girl, who will perform at coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday, was one of the first American stars to arrive, dressed head to toe in lilac.

TV royalty Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were full of smiles as they mingled at the Abbey. They currently present I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here, but were invited in their capacity as Princes Trust Goodwill Ambassadors.

The Geordie duo have hosted the charity awards 10 times and are involved in a program to make the media industry more accessible.

Actress Dame Emma Thompson, who is a good friend of the King, arrived with her husband, actor Greg Wise, chatting with other guests as they took their seats.

The Oscar-winning star wore a bold red jacket, along with her medal and lady badge.

Watch and follow special coronation coverage

Dame Judi Dench wore a pale lavender ensemble and brimmed hat, Downton Abbey star Dame Maggie Smith wore blue, while Australian singer Nick Cave wore a dark suit and tie.

Also in attendance was Andrew Lloyd Webber, best known for hit musicals such as The Phantom Of The Opera, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar.

The award-winning composer, who wrote the coronation anthem, said writing the music acted as an “antidote” to the loss of his eldest son, Nicholas, in March.

Singer Lionel Richie, who will also perform at Sunday’s coronation concert, told Sky News: “It’s not an everyday occurrence. I’m walking through history. It’s the greatest show on earth in this moment. Having an invite is everything.”

Richie, 73, wore a top hat to mark the special occasion.

Ultimate coronation guide: how to watch, times and route of the procession

Dame Joanna Lumley, who will comment on the historic event for Sky News, said: “I’m so excited…to say God Save the King is going to be the most exciting part. Hearing the choir, all the new songs, the old songs, will be lovely. I can’t wait to see the queen’s dress – it’s supposed to be spectacular!”

Other celebrity guests at the Abbey include British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, former Play School presenter Floella Benjamin, Stereophonics singer Kelly Jones and BBC director-general Tim Davey.

Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading was in the audience, as was United States First Lady Jill Biden, who came with her granddaughter Finnegan Biden.

US President Joe Biden was not present, Washington denying that his absence was a snub after his four days trip to ireland last month.

Spice Girl Melanie Brown was also spotted outside the Abbey chatting with the press.

David and Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, Rowan Atkinson, Bear Grylls and the magician Dynamo are also said to be on the guest list.

The King will be crowned at Westminster Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury during a coronation ceremony dating back several centuries.

The king’s youngest son, Prince Harrywho stepped down from royal duties in March 2020 and moved to the United States with his wife, Meghan, is also expected to attend.

The event is the Army’s largest ceremonial operation since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, with 9,000 servicemen and women deployed and 7,000 of them performing ceremonial and support roles.

It’s a greatly reduced event from the more than 8,000 guests at the Queen’s coronation 70 years ago.