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Final preparations as royal superfans flock to the Mall for King Charles III coronation

Diehard Royal Family fans are determined to get a good vantage point ahead of King Charles III's procession from Buckingham Palace.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Royal enthusiasts are seen camped on The Mall as preparations continue for The Coronation on May 05, 2023 in London, England. The Coronation of King Charles III and The Queen Consort will take place on May 6, part of a three-day celebration. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Royal fans have continued to pile into the mall ahead of the coronation. (Getty)

Royal fans have continued to pack the area around Buckingham Palace ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, camping out to be part of the historic moment.

With less than 24 hours to go until the coronation celebrations begin in earnest, die-hard fans continued to pile into the Mall equipped with folding chairs, tents, sleeping bags and snacks to ensure they get a good view of the King's procession.

They included Royal Family fan, 34-year-old Bartley Graham, who arrived at The Mall on Wednesday after discharging himself from hospital.

Graham, who previously suffered a stroke, said it was ”important” to be there so he could get a good view of the procession.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Royal enthusiasts are seen camped on The Mall as preparations continue for The Coronation on May 05, 2023 in London, England. The Coronation of King Charles III and The Queen Consort will take place on May 6, part of a three-day celebration. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
People continued to arrive on Thursday and Friday to camp out ahead of the coronation. (Getty)
Royal enthusiast Bartley Graham who arrived at the Mall on Wednesday after discharging himself from hospital. (PA)
Royal enthusiast Bartley Graham who arrived at the Mall on Wednesday after discharging himself from hospital. (PA)
Royal fans camping out on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace in central London, ahead of the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort. Picture date: Thursday May 4, 2023.
Royal fans camping out on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace in central London, ahead of the coronation of King Charles. (PA)

He came wearing a suit printed with Union flags and carrying a cardboard cut-out of Charles, who he thinks will be “a fantastic King”.

“I like King Charles, and I definitely like Lady Camilla,” he said.

“Charles will be a fantastic King and will do a great job, he has some really strong values, and I think Lady Camilla has fallen into the role very well.”

Others seemingly putting their life on the line for the coronation include Kerry Evans, 58, from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, who arrived at The Mall on Thursday.

She said she “would rather die” than miss the King’s coronation, adding: “Every time I come out to an event like this I end up in casualty, because I just exhaust myself, but I’ve really paced myself this time."

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: A royal enthusiast brushes her teeth as she camps on The Mall as preparations continue for The Coronation on May 05, 2023 in London, England. The Coronation of King Charles III and The Queen Consort will take place on May 6, part of a three-day celebration. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Royal enthusiasts have been trying to get the best spots to watch the procession on Saturday. (Getty)
Royal fans camp out along the procession route on The Mall, near to Buckingham Palace in central London, on May 4, 2023, ahead of the coronation weekend. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)
Many fans took time of work to get an early spot on The Mall. (Getty)
A crown sits on a tent, decorated with a portrait of Britain's King Charles III on The Mall in central London, on May 4, 2023, ahead of the coronation weekend. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)
Police have urged people to walk into central London if they can to ease pressure on the transport system. (Getty)
Royal fans are seen camping out along the procession route with their tents and camping chairs on The Mall, near to Buckingham Palace in central London, on May 4, 2023, ahead of the coronation weekend. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Fans donned costumes and decorated their tents for the special occasion. (Getty)

Nurse Sarah Exner flew from Texas in the US to camp out in central London for the occasion, saying: “we don’t have as much of the pomp and circumstance in the United States and it’s lovely to come out here and see all the traditions”.

The 29-year-old said: “It’s always been really fascinating, the monarchy. We’ve always had a wonderful time keeping up with the events.

“It’s just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to come out here for the coronation.

"They don’t happen very often and we don’t have as much of the pomp and circumstance in the United States and it’s lovely to come out here and see all the traditions.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Royal fan Mandy Ellis from Uttoxeter poses for a photograph near where she is camped on The Mall ahead of the Coronation, on May 04, 2023 in London, England. The Coronation of King Charles III and The Queen Consort will take place on May 6, part of a three-day celebration. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Royal fan Mandy Ellis from Uttoxeter poses for a photograph near where she is camped on The Mall. (Getty)
The Mall, London, UK. 4th May, 2023. Two days before the Coronation of King Charles III preparations continue on The Mall for the procession with more Royal watchers arriving to camp out over two nights in spite of heavy rain being forecast. Credit: Malcolm Park/Alamy Live News
More Royal watchers arrive to camp out over two nights for the coronation in spite of heavy rain being forecast. (Alamy)
The Mall, London, UK. 4th May, 2023. Two days before the Coronation of King Charles III preparations continue on The Mall for the procession with more Royal watchers arriving to camp out over two nights in spite of heavy rain being forecast. Credit: Malcolm Park/Alamy Live News
The long wait does not bother Royal fans eager to catch a glimpse of the new King and Queen on Saturday. (PA)

Meanwhile, final preparations were underway on Friday for a major transport operation ahead of hundreds of thousands of people descending on central London.

Roadworks on major roads across England have been lifted and train services will be beefed up to cope with demand.

People arriving in the capital on Saturday have been urged to consider walking to viewing areas as public transport will be very busy.

Road closures will be enforced in large parts of central London, affecting motorists and bus users.

The Mall, London, UK. 4th May, 2023. Two days before the Coronation of King Charles III preparations continue on The Mall for the procession with more Royal watchers arriving to camp out over two nights in spite of heavy rain being forecast. Credit: Malcolm Park/Alamy Live News
Royal fans put up Union Jacks ahead of the coronation procession on Saturday. (Alamy)
The Mall, London, UK. 4th May, 2023. Two days before the Coronation of King Charles III preparations continue on The Mall for the procession with more Royal watchers arriving to camp out over two nights in spite of heavy rain being forecast. Credit: Malcolm Park/Alamy Live News
Patriotic outfits are on full display at the Mall as royal fans camp out. (Alamy)
The Mall, London, UK. 4th May, 2023. Two days before the Coronation of King Charles III preparations continue on The Mall for the procession with more Royal watchers arriving to camp out over two nights in spite of heavy rain being forecast. A floral tent displays a hybrid Union flag and Stars and Stripes. Credit: Malcolm Park/Alamy Live News
A floral tent displays a hybrid UK and US flag. (Alamy)
London UK. 4 May 2023. A Royal superfan  from the United States  who has been camping at the Mall dons a  hat decorated hat with royal memorabilia and cutouts with two days left until the coronation at Westminster Abbey, the biggest ceremonial event staged in the capital for 70 years. Credit: amer ghazzal/Alamy Live News
A Royal superfan from the United States who has been camping at the Mall dons a hat decorated hat with royal memorabilia and cutouts. (Alamy)

On Wednesday eager Royal fans saw their patience pay off when they got their first early glimpse of what to expect on Saturday after rehearsals for the coronation took place in central London.

Hundreds of soldiers, many on horseback, marched down from Buckingham Palace past Trafalgar Square and Downing Street to Westminster Abbey.

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach and Gold State Coach were marched down the Mall as part of the preparations for the full event on Saturday.

A night time rehearsal in central London for the coronation of King Charles III, which will take place this weekend. Picture date: Wednesday May 3, 2023.
A night time rehearsal in central London for the coronation of King Charles took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning. (PA)
A night time rehearsal in central London for the coronation of King Charles III, which will take place this weekend. Picture date: Wednesday May 3, 2023.
Hundreds of soldiers, many on horseback, marched down from Buckingham Palace past Trafalgar Square and Downing Street to Westminster Abbey. (PA)

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach was accompanied by hundreds of soldiers on horseback as it travelled along the Mall, setting off shortly after 12.20am on Wednesday.

Those patiently waiting for the real thing had to wait another three hours for the parade to make a return journey down the mall.

Crowds ran through St James’ Park to find the best spots near the palace with many trying to spot their relatives in their military outfits.

A night time rehearsal in central London for the coronation of King Charles III, which will take place this weekend. Picture date: Wednesday May 3, 2023.
Many soldiers carried a wide range of instruments such as saxophones, trumpets, horns and cymbals for the rehearsal. (PA)

Hundreds of soldiers from the military, navy and RAF marched through central London before stopping along Whitehall and standing in silence.

Many carried a wide range of instruments such as saxophones, trumpets, horns and cymbals but only the drums were played by marching soldiers until they returned down the Mall after 3am.

The parade had began when soldiers dressed in bright yellow uniforms began the short journey and the brass band on horseback practised as they accompanied the stage coach as it passed through Westminster.

A night time rehearsal in central London for the coronation of King Charles III, which will take place this weekend. Picture date: Wednesday May 3, 2023.
Hundreds of soldiers from the military, navy and RAF marched through central London before stopping along Whitehall and standing in silence. (PA)

Onlookers skipped along next to the stage coach and ran after the regiments of mounted soldiers that followed.

Soldiers from a wide variety of regiments marched down the Mall after 1am.

Buckingham Palace remained mostly silent with soldiers quietly maintaining protocol until a regiment playing the bagpipes brought the area to life shortly after 2.30am.

Artillery regiments rehearsed moving cannons on horseback and soldiers were seen pretending to fire the ceremonial weapons.

A night time rehearsal in central London for the coronation of King Charles III, which will take place this weekend. Picture date: Wednesday May 3, 2023.
The Gold State Coach was spotted passing Buckingham Palace shortly after 3.20am. (PA)

The procession returned to Buckingham Palace shortly after 3am with bands in full swing.

The Gold State Coach was spotted passing Buckingham Palace shortly after 3.20am.

Charles will travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey for his crowning, before making his way back to the palace in the 260-year-old Gold State Coach.

With hundreds of thousands of people expected to travel to London for the UK's first coronation ceremony since 1953, the keenest of fans made sure to pitch up extra early.

Read more: King Charles’s coronation crown is worth a staggering amount – yet will never be worn by him again

The Mall, London, UK. 1st May 2023; Royal superfans camping The Mall preparations in London ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III, London, UK. Credit: See Li/Picture Capital/Alamy Live News
Royal supporters on The Mall on Monday in preparation for Saturday's coronation. (Alamy)
London, UK. 1st May 2023. Royal superfan John Loughrey is showing the camp on the Mall, dubbed 'Bucks House', where he and his friends will stay until coronation day, in order to reserve a prime spot from where to see the procession. The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place on May 6th, 2023. Credit: Kiki Streitberger /Alamy Live News
Royal superfan John Loughrey shows off his camp on The Mall on Monday. (Alamy)
Union flags hang from the street furniture outside Buckingham Palace on the Mall, London, ahead of the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday May 6. Picture date: Monday May 1, 2023.
Union flags hang from the street furniture outside Buckingham Palace on The Mall on Monday. (PA)
The Mall, London, UK. 1st May 2023; Royal superfans camping The Mall preparations in London ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III, London, UK. Credit: See Li/Picture Capital/Alamy Live News
Royal superfans camping on The Mall on Monday ahead of the coronation of King Charles. (Alamy)

Among the devotees are Sky London and Carol Foster, who had set up tents along the Mall on Sunday ahead of the procession next Saturday.

Asked why they'd arrived so early, London, a seasoned royal camper, said: "There's a saying, the early bird catches the early worm.

"We intend to hold this place, we don't want anybody else to take it."

London, UK. 29 April 2023. Royal superfan John Loughrey, 68, of Streatham, will be camping for the next week on The Mall in anticipation of the coronation of King Charles III on May 6. Credit: Waldemar Sikora/Alamy Live News
Royal superfan John Loughrey, 68, of Streatham, has already secured his spot. (Waldemar Sikora/Alamy Live News)
Sky London (left) and Carol Foster (right) who are camping out on the Mall ahead of the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday May 6th. Picture date: Saturday April 29, 2023.
Sky London (left) and Carol Foster (right) are seasoned royal campers. (PA)

He said he had camped outside the Queen's funeral, the Jubilee, and the births of all three of the Prince and Princess of Wales's children.

It was at the birth of George that he met Foster, and the pair have been friends ever since.

Read more: Here's why the coronation is a 'missed opportunity', according to an expert

London, UK.  29 April 2023.  Royal superfan John Loughrey, 68, from Streatham, in place on The Mall ahead of the coronation of King Charles III on 6 May.  He will be camping out for the next week, sleeping on a campbed, joined by up to 10 others, with a giant sheet of blue tarpaulin as their protection against the elements until the big day. Credit: Stephen Chung / Alamy Live News
Loyal fans were keen to get a good vantage point for the procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. (Stephen Chung/Alamy Live News)
London, UK. 28th April, 2023. Royal Superfans have already started to camp out on the Mall ahead of the Coronation. It is now just over a week until the Coronation and London is expected to be very busy with tourists and visitors. Credit: Maureen McLean/Alamy Live News
Supporters came prepared with tents, folding chairs, sleeping bags and plenty of snacks. (Maureen McLean/Alamy Live News)
London, UK.  29 April 2023.  Royal superfans (L) John Loughrey, 68, from Streatham, and Sky London, 62, from Paddington, in place on The Mall ahead of the coronation of King Charles III on 6 May.  They will be camping out for the next week, sleeping on campbeds, joined by up to 10 others, with a giant sheet of blue tarpaulin as their protection against the elements until the big day. . Credit: Stephen Chung / Alamy Live News
Loughrey (left) and London, 62, from Paddington, sporting their patriotic clothing. (Stephen Chung/Alamy Live News)

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Not only do they meet up to celebrate their own birthdays, they also get together to mark the birthday of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Asked what she was most looking forward to about the coronation, Foster said: "Seeing everybody dressed up, the pomp and ceremony.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what Catherine and Camilla are wearing. It's a once in a lifetime thing."

John Loughrey, 68, claimed to be the first person to set up his tent on the Mall on 27 April, nine days before the coronation.