HONG KONG - Timing will be everything when 156 years and 156 days of colonial rule end in Hong Kong at midnight (5 p.m. Irish time), with ceremonies which Britain and China have had to nail down to the last second.
The 438 minute series of official events starts with the British farewell ceremony from 5.15 p.m. (10.15 a.m. Irish time), and ends with the departure of the former colonial rulers aboard the royal yacht Britannia - at 15 minutes past midnight (5.15 p.m.).
The live video feed of the British departure from the Hong Kong Cultural and Exhibition Centre, the venue for the 45 minute handover ceremony, ends exactly 30 minutes later.
Diplomatic sources said the crucial moment will come down to the playing of the British national anthem, with China winning iron clad guarantees that the final note end not later than live seconds before midnight.
The handover ceremony is scheduled to start at 30 minutes before midnight (4.30 p.m.).
The schedule means that the territory's last governor, Mr Chris Patten, must deliver a farewell speech at East Tamar not to exceed five minutes, Prince Charles must be done in three minutes, and the Union Jack must be lowered in three minutes.
The royal party will make its entrance to the farewell ceremony at 6:15 p.m. (11.15 a.m.), with the same amount of time allotted for Prince Charles's and Mr Patten's exit, one hour and 18 minutes later.
Fireworks will be lit at 8.15 p.m. (1.15 p.m.) and the Victoria Harbour display will last 22 minutes - an auspicious number in Chinese.