Crowds gather for King Charles’s Coronation.Photo: Kirsty Hatcher; Philip Boucher
With not long to go untilKing CharlesandQueen Camilla’s coronation, excitement has reached fever pitch in London.
The PEOPLE team was on the ground from 5.a.m local time amongst the crowds, who have traveled from all around the world to be in the British capital for the historic ceremony.
On Whitehall, where the King’s Procession and Coronation Procession will travel, there was no dampener on people’s spirits despite the rain.
Those gathered were doing the wave up and down Whitehall and cheering, while members of the military could be seen marching down the street early this morning to cheers and clapping, along with a military band who played en route to Westminster Abbey.
There were plenty of friendly chats and joking, with people sharing sweets and chairs for children.
King Charles and Queen Camilla.Andrew Milligan/Getty
Many have been camped out for days in tents in order to get the best view of the processions. Dave Ball, 56, and Shirley Ball, 52, from Dorset, were certainly dressed for the occasion in a Union Jack dress and waistcoat and hat.
The couple, who were carrying British flags, also traveled to London for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the late Queen’s funeral.
“We got here around 6:30 this morning,” Dave told PEOPLE. “The atmosphere has been lovely. Really friendly and happy. We learnt our lesson at the funeral and brought some steps so we can get to see a little more.”
Dave and Shirley Ball from Dorset.Philip Boucher
“We’re just looking forward to the atmosphere more than anything else. The whole pageant is going to be amazing. Capturing the atmosphere is the main thing.”
“We just felt we had to come down,” added Shirley.
Rebecca O’Dell, 41, also sported a Union Jack dress for the occasion after making the journey all the way from Australia.
Rebecca O’Dell from Australia.Philip Boucher
“We arrived yesterday. I’m from a little seaside town near Adelaide called Victor Harbor,” she said. “Hopefully, we’ll see the King. We’ve got a decent spot now so fingers crossed!”
“We got here about 6am but we had to battle to get a spot. I’m really looking forward to seeing Kate too. So hopefully we’ll see a bit of her too.”
Joseph Afrane, 59, who is from Ghana but now lives in London, told PEOPLE he had been camped out for four days on The Mall in order to get a good view of the processions.
Joseph Afrane from Ghana.Kirsty Hatcher
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Decked out head to toe in a Union Jack suit, tie, hat and sunglasses, as well as personalized Converse sneakers, he told PEOPLE he had spent “a lot of money” on his getup.
“I spent a lot of money on my outfit but the royal family are doing a great job for the country and the Commonwealth so we need to support them,” he said.
“This is amazing. I met King Charles when his mum passed away. I shook his hand on the Mall and Camilla shook my hand, too. Her Majesty The Queen sent me thank you letter from Balmoral. It was to say thank you for my effort all the time.”
Gilberto Garearo and Elizabeth Brazil from Brazil.Philip Boucher
Meanwhile, Gilberto Garearo and Elizabeth Brazil, who are both from Sao Paolo in Brazil but now live in London, decided to dress as the King and Queen in red robes.
“We wanted to dress up to be part of the tradition and have some fun,” Gilberto told PEOPLE. “It is an important historical moment. It is going to be enjoyable. I arrived here last night at around 9 p.m. I was the first to arrive here yesterday and saved a space for everyone. I have had no sleep at all.”
And two ladies stood next to PEOPLE had to get creative with some lipstick on the streets of London after realizing they didn’t have a pen to write on their flag.
source: people.com
