Good things come to those who wait for. THE roi Charles III knows one thing. The British monarch waited 74 years to finally be crowned on May 6, 2023. His subjects may well in turn wait a few hours – and even a few days – in front of Buckingham Palace to attend the event. Besides, his Majesty’s subjects perform admirably well in this matter.

On the Mall, the famous avenue that connects Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, nearly a kilometer 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 visits of Charles III and his wife Camilla. But it’s less regarding waiting than celebrating. To launch the festivities, everyone dressed in the most eccentric outfits in the colors of the Union Jack. Flag headbands, bowler hats, plastic crowns, hats with big ears (in reference to those of the king), all headgear are allowed. Elegant frock coats and tricolor suits rub shoulders with rain capes and blue-white-red fleece ponchos, certainly more modest but much more practical in the face of gloomy weather.

“We chat, we laugh and we drink”

Regardless of the threatening sky, the bursts of laughter mingle with the clinking of the glasses which bang together happily. “We are not bored for a second, confides Caroline, a 54-year-old Londoner who came with two friends. We chat, we laugh and we drink, continues the fifty-year-old, joining the action to the word. Before, I had always followed this kind of event on TV. It’s the first time I’ve seen it in real life. I don’t have a lot of equipment. I don’t have a tent. Last night, I slept on a simple blanket. It was a little cold. But that’s okay: the atmosphere is so warm and friendly that I don’t regret anything.”

Gone are the misty looks and sad faces crossed eight months earlier when Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96, leaving her subjects in 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 photos of the most fantastic subjects who readily lend themselves to the game of portraits and selfies.

From across the Commonwealth

A few meters further, Geraldine, 67, who had never attended a royal event in London, came straight from Cornwall, in the south-west of the United Kingdom, to attend this “historic” day with her niece. “It’s an incredible experience, everyone approaches everyone. You meet people of all nationalities. It’s a unique experience to live.”

Norma, retired, came from Montreal, Canada to attend the festivities. The last time she had come 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 bicycle and go see him. It was therefore normal that I, in turn, would save to buy a plane ticket and go to London.”

Suddenly, two motorcyclists all howling siren go up the Mall towards Buckingham and interrupt the joyful disorder. In the official car following the two cars, the face of William, Charles’s eldest son, appears behind the window. With a broad smile, he waves to the crowd. It does not take more for the cries of joy to redouble on both sides of the avenue.

The unlikely 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 watch the improbable team. This time it is only a cleanliness vehicle. The residents, jeering, still applaud the humble van. At the wheel of his truck, the municipal employee is jubilant.

A little further, 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 of seeing the royal couple pass in the two ceremonial carriages. The protocol in fact provides that the first procession, which goes from Buckingham to Westminster, takes place on board the Diamond Jubilee State coach and that the reverse route takes place on board the Gold State Coach, the State coach 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 puts an end to all discussions. An imposing dark car slices through the Mall. This time it’s Charles III who appears out the window, all smiles. He is cheered by the incredulous crowd. No one had time to take out the camera to capture the moment. “Long life the king” are chanted by some hilarious passers-by. Then a violent thunderstorm rang out. We open the umbrellas, we hastily pull up the hoods of the ponchos. Heavy rain falls in central London. It will take more to undermine the enthusiasm of the troops.