Buckingham Palace in ‘total lockdown’ amid ‘loud explosion’

A security incident has reportedly sparked a “total lockdown” of Buckingham Palace, where last-minute coronation preparations are currently underway.

Buckingham Palace has been locked down after a man reportedly threw shotgun cartridges at the palace.

International and British media set up outside the palace grounds were evacuated from the area amid the security scare on Tuesday night, local time.

A man has since been arrested, with BBC news reporting a controlled explosion was carried out by specialists as a precautionary measure.

Buckingham Palace was placed in 'total lockdown' after explosion

It’s understood a man has been arrested for carrying a suspicious bag.

While initial reports suggested King Charles was in residence during the incident, the Washington Post has confirmed he was actually nearby with Camilla, Queen Consort, at Clarence House.

According to Metropolitan Police, the man was found to be in possession of a suspicious bag, and was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon.

Workers on the ground told news.com.au they heard a “loud bang” around 8pm. They said the palace wasn’t evacuated but surrounding media outside were cleared from the area.

Police at the scene outside Buckingham Palace after a man was arrested and a subsequent controlled explosion was carried out on May 2, 2023 in London, England. Picture: Belinda Jiao/Getty Images

A police sniffer dog at the scene outside the palace. Picture: Belinda Jiao/Getty Images

The Mall - the street which lines from the palace to Trafalgar Square - is entirely cordoned off from the public. Police are telling people in the area the road is blocked off for a scheduled coronation rehearsal at 11.30pm.

British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg was in the area when the incident unfolded. He told GB News he was waiting to go on-air to talk about the upcoming coronation.

“People came to us using yellow tabards to say there was an incident and we all had to go. Just an element, of I fear, not ‘keep calm and carry on’ [but] ‘let’s hustle and bustle’.”

King Charles met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Buckingham Palace earlier today. Picture: Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images

GB News’ Head of Programming, Ben Briscoe, also told the program: “There was definitely a very, very loud explosion … As it stands the Palace and the surrounding areas are in total lockdown and it doesn’t look like it is going to be lifted anytime soon.”

The royal standard – which signifies when the monarch is in residence – wasn’t flying above the palace this morning, but as of this afternoon, had been erected on the roof.

It comes as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was one of the first dignitaries to meet the King ahead of Saturday’s coronation on Tuesday at Buckingham Palace.

It’s understood the lockdown has since been lifted as investigations continue.

Emergency services on the scene. Picture: UK News In Pictures

A man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and a controlled explosion was carried out outside Buckingham Palace the Metropolitan police have said. Picture; Belinda Jiao/Getty Images

Charles’ coronation just days away

Millions of people all over the world are expected to tune in at home to watch the coronation of King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, on Saturday.

The ceremony will begin at London’s Westminster Abbey at 11am in the UK, which is 8pm AEST.

The historic event will be the first of its kind since 1953, when the late Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at the same venue, in the first ever British coronation to be televised.

For those who want to join in the action on the day, there are plenty of broadcast options, with the ABC, Sky News, Channel 7, Nine and Ten all airing the pre-service arrivals and procession, the ceremony itself, and the royal balcony appearance.

Meanwhile, the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will conduct the ceremony, announced this week that the new “people’s homage” will enable coronation viewers worldwide to participate in a “solemn and joyful” moment from the comfort of their homes.

As highlighted in the coronation’s liturgics, Archbishop Justin Welby, who is the head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of Anglican churches worldwide, will invite those who wish to contribute in the “homage of the people”.

The invite will extend to not just Brits but those in the other Commonwealth Realms where Charles is also head of state which includes Australia.

“I call upon all persons of goodwill in The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of the other Realms and the Territories to make their homage, in heart and voice, to their undoubted King, defender of all,” Archbishop Welby will say.

In response, those paying homage are expected to say: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”

A fanfare will be played before Archbishop Welby says “God Save the King”.

A chorus of “God save King Charles, long live King Charles, may the King live forever,” will echo out around the globe in return.

Originally published as Buckingham Palace in ‘total lockdown’ amid ‘loud explosion’