Charles III is set to be crowned King in a historic ceremony that is expected to attract millions of viewers from across the world. The ceremony is full of pomp and pageantry, and hundreds of royal fans are camping out in The Mall in London to secure a good view of the proceedings. The coronation is the first in 70 years and will be attended by world leaders, kings, queens, celebrities, everyday heroes, family, and friends of the royal couple.
Military’s Largest Ceremonial Operation
Over 5,000 armed forces personnel are traveling to London to take part in the coronation. Members of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, and Commonwealth forces are arriving at the UK’s busiest railway station, London Waterloo, before marching off to the ceremony. The military has promised a “spectacular” display of military pomp and pageantry, and the event is the military’s largest ceremonial operation since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, with 9,000 servicemen and women deployed.
Massive Security and Policing Operation
The coronation will see a massive security and policing operation called Golden Orb, with 11,500 police officers and over 9,000 military personnel on duty for the event. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, who are no longer working royals, will not have any formal role at the coronation, but they will attend the service.
Celebrations Amid Public Scepticism
Thousands of street parties and events are set to take place to celebrate the occasion, but the coronation is taking place amid public scepticism, particularly among the young, about the role and relevance of the monarchy. Anti-monarchy groups, including Republic, have organised protests on the day, arguing that the coronation pageant will cost taxpayers tens of millions of pounds.
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