Fans of the Royals began camping out a week ago to claim a prime spot in central London for today’s festivities.
Union Flags were everywhere on Saturday (May 6), with smiling faces on family members young and old - despite inclement weather. Thousands had also gathered in Hyde Park to enjoy proceedings on the big screen.
The King’s Procession passed down The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, and the newly crowned King and Queen were smiling at the thousands lining the streets on their way back in the Gold State Coach.
The Princess Royal followed behind on horseback in her role as Gold Stick and Colonel The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1S Dragoons).
Next came the carriage with the Prince and Princess of Wales inside, along with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Five-year-old Louis was waving from the window.
Dissenting voices were heard in the crowds (or seen, at least) with the anti-monarchy Republic group and Just Stop Oil staging protests despite a police threat that its “tolerance for any disruption, whether through protest or otherwise, will be low”. Indeed, The Met made several arrests, following through on its promise to “deal robustly with anyone intent on undermining this celebration”.
The King’s Procession passed down The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, and the newly crowned King and Queen were smiling at the thousands lining the streets on their way back in the Gold State Coach.
9. Conserving energy
A royals fan resting ahead of the main event. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
10. Standard Saturday
Royal fans camping out along the procession route. (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)