29,000 UK police called up for massive coronation security operation

‘Tolerance for disruption will be low,’ said London’s Metropolitan police, with event ‘one of most significant, largest security operations’ in force’s history

Nation is preparing for crowning of King Charles on Saturday amid potential challenges, including demonstrating republicans who are against the monarchy

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Police in London escort away a Just Stop Oil protester during a demonstration on Wednesday. There will be thousands of officers on the streets of the capital over the coronation weekend. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 11:00pm, 3 May 2023Updated: 11:48pm, 3 May 2023

More than 29,000 police officers will take part in one of the UK’s “most significant” ever security operations for the coronation of King Charles III this weekend, police said on Wednesday.

Some 2,000 guests, including global royalty and world leaders, will be at Saturday’s event in central London, with huge crowds lining the route to and from Buckingham Palace.

The government earlier insisted that security services were “ready to deal” with the challenges after a man was arrested on suspicion of throwing shotgun cartridges into the grounds of the palace.

Police detained the man, who was allegedly armed with a knife, at about 7pm on Tuesday, causing concern just days before the historic coronation, the first in Britain since 1953.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat told Times Radio that police were “all over” the challenges presented.

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