Colorful outfits and surprise royal visit: in front of Buckingham, the party has already begun

Good things come to those who wait. King Charles III knows one thing. The British monarch waited 74 years to finally be crowned on May 6, 2023. His subjects can in turn wait a few hours – or even a few days – in front of Buckingham Palace to attend the event. Moreover, His Majesty's subjects are executed admirably in this matter.

Well installed behind the barriers of the Mall, the subjects of King Charles III wait in good humor #CoronationWeekend pic.twitter.com/iFg9mIhCy7

— Aude Abback-Mazoué (@audemazoue) May 5, 2023

On the Mall, the famous avenue that connects Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, almost a kilometre of small tents adjoin the green lawns of St James's Park. The owners of these makeshift shelters, providential campers, have taken up residence there for a few days, all determined not to miss anything of the two planned passages of Charles III and his wife Camilla. But it's less about waiting and more about celebrating. To kick off the festivities, everyone wore the most eccentric outfits in the colors of the Union Jack. Headbands, flag headbands, bowler hats, plastic crowns, caps with big ears (in reference to those of the king), all headgear is allowed. Elegant frock coats and tricolor suits rub shoulders with rain capes and blue, white and red ponchos in fleece, certainly more modest but much more practical in the face of gloomy weather.

🇬🇧In London, the most eccentric outfits are available to the many visitors on the eve of #CharlesIII's coronation, #CoronationWeekend pic.twitter.com/PQ2VLNfk0E

— Aude Abback-Mazoué (@audemazoue) May 5, 2023

"We chat, laugh and drink"

No matter the threatening sky, the bursts of laughter mingle with the ringing of the glasses that clash happily. "We don't get bored for a second," says Caroline, a 54-year-old Londoner who came with two girlfriends. We chat, we laugh and we drink, continues the fifty-year-old joining the gesture to the word. Before, I had always followed this kind of event on television. This is the first time I have attended it in real life. I don't have a lot of equipment. I don't have a tent. That night I slept on a simple blanket. It was a bit cold. But it doesn't matter: the atmosphere is so warm and friendly that I don't regret anything."

"We don't get bored for a second," said Caroline, a 54-year-old Londoner, who has been waiting since Thursday with two girlfriends to attend the #CoronationWeekend of #CharlesIII. pic.twitter.com/2syMJFo61A

— Aude Abback-Mazoué (@audemazoue) May 5, 2023

Gone are the misty looks and the sad faces crossed eight months earlier at the death of Queen Elizabeth II who died on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96, leaving her subjects plunged into grief. On the eve of the coronation of the new king, the spirit of the British is now celebrating. It even seems to contaminate that of the many foreigners present. Italian, Irish, French, Japanese, Arab and German onlookers also roam, smiling, the alleys around the royal palace, taking pictures of the most whimsical subjects who willingly lend themselves to the game of portraits and selfies.

From the four corners of the Commonwealth

A few meters away, Geraldine, 67, who had never attended a royal event in London, came straight from Cornwall, in the southwest of the United Kingdom, to attend this "historic" day with her niece. "It's an amazing experience, everyone approaches everyone. We meet people of all nationalities. It's a unique experience to live."

Geraldine, 67, from Cornwall: "It's an incredible experience, everyone approaches everyone. It's unique to experience." #CharlesIII 👑 #Coronation pic.twitter.com/wxOvgM5CMy

— Aude Abback-Mazoué (@audemazoue) May 5, 2023

Norma, retired, came from Montreal, Canada to attend the festivities. The last time she came was for Charles and Diana's wedding. Coming back for his coronation was obvious. "When George VI came to Canada, my mother had saved up to buy a bike and go see it. So it was only natural that I, too, would save up to buy a plane ticket and go to London again."

Norma, retired, came especially from Canada for the coronation of Charles III. "I would have been too sad to miss that. And I don't regret it, I made friends." pic.twitter.com/w8siW2do20

— Aude Abback-Mazoué (@audemazoue) May 5, 2023

Suddenly, two bikers with screaming sirens go up the Mall towards Buckingham and interrupt the happy mess. In the official car that follows the two engines, the face of William, Charles' eldest son, appears behind the window. With a broad smile, he greets the crowd. It does not take more for the cries of joy to redouble on both sides of the avenue.

The improbable visit

Another vehicle in turn enters the Mall, made inaccessible to pedestrians by a continuous line of metal barriers. Everyone stops in their tracks to look at the improbable team. This time it is only a cleaning vehicle. The residents, goguenards, still applaud the humble van. At the wheel of his truck, the municipal employee is jubilant.

Life in the tent is a mere formality for Vicky and her daughter Zoe, who have come to see #CharlesIII and #Camilla pic.twitter.com/7HUQiLfqod

— Aude Abback-Mazoué (@audemazoue) May 5, 2023

A little further away, towards Trafalgar Square, a mother in scout uniform Vicky and her daughter Zoe, have also set up camp. The organization is perfectly oiled, nothing seems to be missing. Sleeping in tents and living rough is not a problem for them. They are hopeful that the royal couple will pass through the two ceremonial carriages. The protocol provides that the first procession, which goes from Buckingham to Westminster, is aboard the State Coach of the Diamond Jubilee and that the reverse route is made aboard the Gold State Coach, the State carriage in gold. They hope that the crowd will not be too large and will be well regulated by the many security guards present. It must be said that usually, scout camps take place in more secluded places.

A new procession of black vehicles stops all discussions. A towering dark car splits the Mall. This time, it is Charles III who appears through the window, all smiles. He is cheered by the incredulous crowd. No one had time to take out the camera to immortalize the moment. "Long life the king" are chanted by some hilarious passers-by. Then a violent storm sounded. We open the umbrellas, we hurriedly pull up the hoods of the ponchos. A heavy rain falls on the center of London. It will take more to dampen the enthusiasm of the troops.

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