Stéphane Place, edited by Yanis Darras // Photo credit: Adrian DENNIS / AFP 08:40, 03 May 2023

A few days before the coronation of Charles III, the English made final preparations to celebrate the event. In London, some traders are even changing activities this week to sell some goodies. A very promising temporary change, assure the traders.

Only three days left before the coronation of Charles III. The English are preparing to celebrate the event and proudly display their colours in shops, houses and streets. Union Jack garlands hanging on the brick facades of London houses, the British flag that sometimes flies with the face of King Charles III embedded in the middle... Almost the whole country is getting up to speed.

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"It's a chance to wave the flag for the country," said Steven, a retiree, who has just bought his small British flag. "I will surely watch the coronation on TV. I'll be attending a barbecue or something. It's really important as an Englishman and it's really good to be able to wave a flag that day."

"There is everything you need"

Across the country, retailers are adapting to the event, such as John, who runs a fruit and vegetable shop in north London. This week, the latter exchanged apples and carrots for "flags, pennants to hang to decorate the house, garlands" too, he said. "There is everything you need to celebrate the new king."

A change of activity "very good for business", adds John. "This coronation brings together people who come together to celebrate and it makes people happy too, well, I hope," he continues. And at 1 pound streling the four flags, they sell like hotcakes, he says.