London Prepares for a Coronation

It can’t have escaped anyones attention that there is a rather big event happening in London this weekend.   Just 229 days after crowds lined the streets  for the Queen’s funeral, they will be lining the same streets for her son’s coronation.  On Saturday 6th May Charles will be crowned King and his wife Camilla will be crowned Queen in a traditional service in Westminster Abbey; the same historic building that Queen Elizabeth’s coronation took place in almost 70 years ago.

London seems to have been in a constant flux of Royal rigmarole and preparation over the last year beginning with the late Queen’s platinum jubilee in June 2022. Since then, union flags have been raised and lowered, bunting has been hung, taken down and hung again, and shops have been selling commemorative tea towels and biscuits throughout.

It is good to be in London for another historic occasion.  I wrote about living in London during the week after the Queens Death last September and commented then how fortunate I feel to live in a city which is being watched by the rest of the world.

Once again, there are road closures, and barriers have been erected along the length of the Mall, Westminster Abbey and all along the route the royal procession will take.  Once more, the number of policeman on the streets is startling. They walk everywhere in twos, shiny black boots, white shirts and body armour.  They gather in busy places, at junctions and on corners.  They answer questions, give directions and chat amicably with each other and with tourists and locals.  Behind their relaxed demeanour I imagine they have been warned to be on high alert for any sign of unrest or disquiet.

The whole length of the mall, 3 days before the main event is awash with security and stewards.  They too wear black, bundled up in puffa jackets to withstand the changing temperatures throughout the long days keeping watch.  Crossing the road at a designated crossing point I heard a supervisor reprimand a steward for looking at his phone. She bluntly told him this was his first warning, 2 more and he would be out.  Harsh I thought.  Long days standing and watching people walk past must induce periods of intense boredom. I wanted to smile at him sympathetically, but the same supervisor rushed me across the road before I had a chance to either smile or even take out my own phone. A woman who clearly takes her job seriously. And of course, a coronation is a serious business.

Against a fresh, spring blue sky punctuated with cotton wool clouds, the flags of the commonwealth gently  move in the breeze, a reminder of the significance of the event beyond these shores. Huge rectangles of cloth perfectly draped from flag poles on which a replica crown sits.  At the end of course is Buckingham palace, now flanked by swathes of precisely planted deep red tulips and dusky pink wallflowers.  The tents of the worlds media strategically positioned behind them.  Already presenters and journalists gather delivering the latest snippets of news to cameras across the globe.

The hardiest of the royalists have also already gathered.  A smattering of loyal supporters and tents are secured into position, bagging the best spots early.  They proudly drape themselves in flags and declare their standing as ardent royalists to the world on home made banners tied to the railings.  As I looked at them, all I could think about was where they would go to use the toilet.  I guess they are practiced at these events.  Camping on the roadside for days on end is for the royal loyal and not for the faint hearted.

The King’s Guard, distinguishable from their royal red uniforms, and large bear skins they wear on their heads, usually responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace were missing when I sauntered past. They had been replaced by a more soberly dressed regiment and the usual Changing of the Guard was cancelled.  All an indication of what is to come.  Rehearsals and preparations are taking place throughout this week. It seems that even a Palace has to prioritize and make other arrangements before a big occasion.

People come to London ‘to soak up the atmosphere’ of these events. They want to have something to tell their grandchildren; if only their grandchildren would be interested.  They just want to be here they say.  3 days before the event, and I am not sure what the atmosphere is.  It is certainly not sombre as it was in the days leading up to the Queens funeral, there is not the same sense of gathering together or walking along side strangers, united.  Nor is there a palpable excitement, not yet anyway.

What there is, is those like me who are fortunate enough to live here and are inquisitive enough to want to see things for themselves.  There are those who have come on trains from towns and rural areas to look and see; and there are those who want to soak up every moment and notch up another royal event on their gilded bed posts.

There is a sense of something about to happen, London is preparing, and come rain or shine on Saturday, the crowds will inevitably gather in their many tens of thousands.  They will applaud street cleaners and policeman and royal carriages; they will wear crowns and paint their faces, and they will all go home saying how glad they were they came.