Anthony Albanese in UK for King Charles’ coronation

Anthony Albanese has arrived in Britain to attend the King’s coronation on Saturday, amid criticism of the ‘anachronistic’ ceremony from the Republic Movement.

Australia’s Federation Guard member Bombardier Michael Nona marches during a rehearsal for Saturday’s coronation of King Charles.

Anthony Albanese has arrived in Britain to attend the King’s coronation on Saturday, amid criticism of the “anachronistic” ceremony from the Republic Movement.

The Prime Minister left the country on Monday night and will spend four days in Britain before the coronation ceremony on May 6, when he will walk down the central aisle of Westminster Abbey alongside Governor-General David Hurley and flag-bearer, footballer Sam Kerr, as part of the official procession.

Republican Movement co-chair and former Socceroo Craig Foster said he supported Mr Albanese’s decision to travel to London for the coronation but did not agree he should pledge his allegiance to the King because “Australia’s head of state should swear their allegiance to the Australian people”.

“It’s become clear more so than ever in recent days with Charles calling on all Australians to take a knee and pledge our subservience to his heirs and successors that this is an institution and historical concept that should be placed in the past,” he said.

“Given Australia’s constitutional arrangement unfortunately still places the British monarch as Australia’s head of state, it is natural (Mr Albanese) demonstrates support for the coronation and is in attendance.

“However, it’s completely unnecessary and inappropriate for the PM to undertake the pledge.”

Meanwhile, Australian Defence Force personnel in the coronation procession have spoken about their pride and excitement at being part of a lock-step precision march with 4000 other military officers that will go from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace on the big day.

Forty members of the Australian Federation Guard have been training their drills with other commonwealth nations in Surrey in preparation to march alongside and behind the Gold State coach, which will carry the newly crowned King and Queen Camilla, and the following carriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Squadron leader Mitchell Brown said: “I’m excited.

“I can’t wait to be able to march down The Mall.

“It’s gonna be a very momentous occasion really.’’

He said the team members, 13 from each of the army, navy and air force of the Federation Guard, based in Canberra, were selected after a special interview process.

“We see what their performance is like on the drill square, their character, their attitude, and of course, the defence values,’’ he said. In addition to Mr Albanese, General Hurley and Matildas star Kerr, who have been given ceremonial roles elevating them above many of the other 2000 attendees in the ceremony, a dozen prominent Australians have also been issued invitations, including comedian Adam Hills, singer Nick Cave and Wirad­juri-British artist Jasmine Coe.

Mr Albanese will also meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss AUKUS, tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and implementation of the Australia-UK free trade agreement.