King Charles’ coronation: Behind the scenes of major royal spectacle

One of Britain’s biggest-ever events is about to unfold and air to millions all over the world – but before the cameras turn on, it’s a very different vibe.

Less than 48 hours out from one of the biggest events Britain has ever seen, it’s impossible to miss the preparations.

Yet with a media grandstand, endless equipment trucks, and stacks of barriers lining the streets around Westminster, thousands of British workers rush by, appearing oblivious to the momentous occasion steadily building around them.

But for the many, many staffers out and about and tasked with bringing Operation Golden Orb – the name long given to King Charles’ coronation plans – to life, it is anything but business as usual.

Back in 1953, and after 14 months of planning, Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was held at the Abbey and watched on by 277 million viewers around the world.

Seven decades on, that number is likely to inflate significantly when it comes to King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla’s big moment.

With so many eyes about to be on the small yet bustling patch of London, it’s understandably been a hive of activity for days.

It’s a hive of activity in Westminster. Picture: Bronte Coy

Around midday Thursday, a large police motorcade blared its sirens as it raced through the streets, carrying a mysterious – yet clearly valuable – person or object into the gates of the Abbey.

Meanwhile, the finishing touches were being added to media platforms set up around the church’s entrance where the royals, dignitaries, and hundreds of other guests will descend on Saturday. Huge camera poles were encircling the grounds of the historic building, ready to capture a bird’s-eye view of the high-profile crowd.

The stand across from the Abbey’s entrance, where the world’s media will gather. Picture: Bronte Coy

Huge camera stands were being set up around the Abbey. Picture: Bronte Coy

Checkpoints were also being established to screen the nearly-2,000 guests as part of the mammoth security operation.

A full two days before it’s even set to begin, one keen lone camper was seen busily setting up her spot right at the Westminster intersection where most of the action will take place, seemingly undeterred by the lengthy wait, rainy forecast, and chilly overnight conditions.

A lone camper is very prepared. Picture: Bronte Coy

Barricades had already been erected all the way down the procession route via Whitehall, where up to a million people are expected to converge.

A heavy police and armed forces presence acting as a constant reminder of the scope of the event about to take place.

There was a heavy police and military presence. Picture: Bronte Coy

Earlier this week, members of the public were given their first look at the coronation, with a full-scale rehearsal taking place in central London.

Hundreds of soldiers, many on horseback, marched down from Buckingham Palace past Trafalgar Square to Westminster Abbey, travelling with two empty coaches which on Saturday will be carrying King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla.

On Wednesday morning, the monarchs participated in their own rehearsal at the Abbey, where they were joined by Prince William and Kate Middleton and their three children, Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.

Originally published as King Charles’ coronation: Behind the scenes of major royal spectacle