Jubilant crowds and millions of viewers cheer their majesties as the king’s procession begins

A s the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by six Windsor greys, emerged through the Centre Gate of Buckingham Palace, thousands cheered in delight at the first glimpse of Their Majesties on their momentous journey to Westminster Abbey, with the King – seated beside his adored wife, the Queen Consort, who would return to the palace as Queen – about to fulfil a destiny that has been his since he was a young boy.

Appearing to be quietly taking in every second of the King’s Procession, Charles and Camilla – wearing the royal Robes of State – smiled and waved to the excited crowds, aware that many had been waiting for hours, if not days. Not even the rain showers could dampen the spirits, as many enthusiastically waved their Union flags. Some believe inclement weather to be a good omen, given that rain fell during the coronation processions ahead of the successful reigns of Charles’s beloved mother, Elizabeth II, and grandfather, George VI.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

The royal couple, who had arrived at the palace in the State Bentley from their home at Clarence House shortly after 9am, travelled to the abbey in the utmost style. The coach, built to celebrate the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, is the newest at the Royal Mews, with electric windows and air conditioning. The interior is inlaid with wood, metals and other materials from royal residences, cathedrals and ships, while the gilded crown on its top was carved from oak from HMS Victory and can hold a camera to film journeys.

And what a journey of grandeur it was, as the King’s Procession set off on the 33-minute journey at precisely 10.20am. As the front wheel of the coach passed the Centre Arch of Buckingham Palace, a tri-service guard of honour (personnel from the Royal Navy, the army and the RAF), positioned at the west side of the Queen Victoria Memorial, gave a royal salute and a band from the Royal Marines played the national anthem.

The procession was led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Band – 48 horses and musicians – with their two drum horses, Atlas and Apollo, at the front. Guardsmen, in t