On Friday, Donald Trump and Mike Pence will be sworn in as president and vice-president of the United States of America at the 58th presidential inauguration.
The ceremony marks the peaceful transition of power between administrations and celebrates the foundation of the American political system.
What happens in the run-up to the ceremony and on the day itself?
Thursday, January 19:
The official portion of the inauguration begins with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington DC. It is the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. Both president-elect and vice president-elect will attend.
This will be followed by welcome celebrations at the Lincoln Memorial, beginning with Voices of the People, a show featuring groups who applied to take part. Among those performing will be the DC Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.
Later, President-Elect Trump will speak from the steps of the memorial and various artists will perform at a Make America Great Again concert.
Friday, January 20:
The inauguration ceremony takes place on the West Front of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC.
It will begin with a rendition of The President’s Own by the United States Marine Band, a Call to Order and readings by faith leaders, including his Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York.
Vice President-Elect Pence will take the Oath of Office first, administered by Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court Clarence Thomas. He marked his 25th year on the court in October and will become the first African-American in history to administer the oath to the incoming US vice-president or president.
The vice president-elect will become the first office-holder since President Ronald Reagan to take the oath using the Reagan family Bible.
President-Elect Trump will be sworn in as America’s 45th president around noon by US Chief Justice John Roberts.
The oath will go something like this: “I Donald J Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.”
The billionaire will then give his first address as president.
There will be further readings by faith leaders, with the ceremony concluding with the US national anthem. This will be performed by 16-year-old classical singer Jackie Evancho, who came second in the fifth season of America’s Got Talent aged just 11.
During the inaugural ceremonies, five flags adorn the Capitol’s West Front, with the US flag in the middle. To its immediate left and right are flags representing the original colonies.
Once the swearing-in has ended, the outgoing president and first lady leave to begin their post-presidential lives. Traditionally, this departure is marked, but takes place with minimal ceremony.
The transfer of power and occupancy of the White House is instantaneous. Barack Obama will wake up there on the morning of January 20 and that night, President Trump will go to sleep for the first time in his new home.
After the main event, there’s the congressional luncheon, before the inaugural parade from the steps of the Capitol, down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. More than 8,000 people, representing 40 organisations, will take part.
These include high school groups, marching bands, veterans and equestrian corps. Both well-wishers and protesters are expected to line the streets.
That evening, inaugural balls will be held around Washington DC.
Saturday January 21:
There will be a national prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. This is a tradition that dates back to Franklin D Roosevelt’s first inauguration in 1933.
