With around a month until King Charles III's coronation, plans are at an advanced stage to mark his historic accession to the throne - Britain's first in seven decades.

Charles, 74, immediately became king when Queen Elizabeth died aged 96 last September, ending her record-breaking 70-year reign following a period of declining health.

But a British monarch's coronation traditionally takes place some months later, after national and royal mourning as well as intense preparation.

Three-day celebration

The early May coronation weekend will feature a star-studded concert, nationwide "big lunch" and volunteering initiative, as well as the traditional ceremony and royal processions.

It will begin with Charles' formal crowning at London's Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6 May, in a tradition dating back more than 900 years.

The next day will then see a "special coronation concert" staged at Windsor Castle, west of London, to be produced and broadcast live by the BBC and featuring "global music icons and contemporary stars," the palace has said.

Also on 7 May, neighbours and communities will be invited to host thousands of "coronation big lunches", billed as a "nationwide act of celebration and friendship".

The final part of coronation weekend, dubbed "the big help out", will be held on Monday, 8 May - designated a UK public holiday this year.

Organised by community forums and various faith groups, it will "highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities across the nation".

South Africa's Pretty Yende will perform at the coronation at the request of Charles himself.

Click 'read more' for more details about the historical event.