Coronation Dress Rehearsal.Photo: James Manning/PA Images via Getty
With the coronation ofKing CharlesandQueen Camillajust three days away, final preparations are underway for the elaborate celebrations — and that included a grand overnight rehearsal that gave a preview into the elaborate pageantry of the event.
The nighttime rehearsal illuminated the streets of London as members of the U.K.’s armed forces rehearsed the processions that will take King Charles and Queen Camilla between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey for thecoronationon May 6.
More than 6,000 men and women are expected to participate in Saturday’s procession,according to the BBC. Dressed in full uniformed regalia, members of the military practiced on foot, and on horseback, how they will accompany the King, 74, and Queen, 75, in their coaches on the way to and from the ceremony.
Coronation dress rehearsal.James Manning/PA Images via Getty
Two specific horse-drawn carriages will be used to carry the monarch andQueen Consortduring Saturday’s processions through London’s streets, andboth coacheswere on hand during the rehearsal of what’s known as the King’s Procession.
First, the Diamond Jubilee State Coach will carry King Charles and Queen Camilla from Buckingham Palace through the Centre Gate and proceed down The Mall. They’ll pass through Admiralty Arch and south of King Charles I Island, down Whitehall and along Parliament Street before arriving at Westminster Abbey, where the coronation will begin at 11 a.m. local time.
Coronation dress rehearsal.Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty
Barricades to maintain control of the crowds have already been placed on the streets, which were decorated with flags of countries included in the U.K. commonwealth, such as Canada and Australia. Even the mailboxes were draped with the Union Jack in preparation for Saturday’s ceremony.
Post box decorated for coronation.Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty
Rehearsals continued Wednesday morning, as members of the royal familyheaded to Westminster Abbeyto practice for the crowning ceremony itself.
On hand were the monarch’s sister, Princess Anne, as well asKate Middleton,Prince William, their three children —Prince George, 9,Princess Charlotte, who justcelebrated her 8th birthday, andPrince Louis, 5 — and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
But with a tight schedule and just three days to go, King Charles was noted to be at ease when he arrived for the rehearsal, and “was smiling broadly,” says a witness.
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The King and Queencelebrated the countdownon their official Twitter as well, sharing a photo from last night’s rehearsal and adding “Three days to go… "
source: people.com
