King Charles coronation: royals surprise crowd outside Buckingham Palace
- Fans screamed the British monarch’s name as he emerged from a Bentley and approached to shake hands with well-wishers
- Prince William and Kate also greeted the public during the walkabout, posing for selfies and chit-chatting
King Charles surprised cheering fans who started gathering outside Buckingham Palace on Friday, a day ahead of his coronation, as final touches were made in preparation for an occasion that London has not celebrated in 70 years.
People in the crowd screamed his name as Charles stepped from a chauffeur-driven Bentley wearing a blue suit. One person could be heard yelling “God save the king” as the British monarch approached the throng lined up behind a barricade.
Charles thanked the well-wishers for coming, shaking hands as he slowly moved along the line.
Theresa Iredale, wearing a plastic crown, said she trembled when the king approached her after she screamed his name. “I saw his hand coming out to mine and I was like, ‘I can’t believe I’m shaking the king’s hand,’” she said.
Prince William, heir to the throne, and his wife, Kate, also greeted the public during the walkabout, talking to fans on the opposite side of The Mall, posing for selfies and chit-chatting.