A friend said the only thing the British have is the monarchy.
True, which is why, love it or hate it, it is an institution they will not trifle with. This is why the British and indeed, the Royalists, as enthusiasts of the British Monarchy call themselves, are all geared up for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in just a few hours.
Summer is nigh, thankfully and so Brits, tourists, and curious visitors have all been trooping to where it will all take place, Westminster Abbey, where a new King will be crowned.
Thereโs a lot of excitement in the airโฆas expected. Thereโs a lot of positive vibe about the coronationโฆas hoped. With hundreds of people milling around, inspecting the grounds and generally building up great expectations not just for the monarchy but for the whole country as well.
A new King
While some of the visitors came to feed their eyes on the landmark venue, many like Funke Imoiko have come to mark the places they would pitch their stands in a few hoursโ time to get the best view.
Funke is not new to all of these, โI spent over 22 hours waiting to see the late Queenโs motorcade, last year.โ She said. “I sat in the sun for hours waiting my turn in the long queue to see our Queen.โ
So why has she come to Westminster Abbey a day before the Coronation?
โI will be here as early as 6 am,โ She said. She is what you will consider a die-hard Royalist. So die-hard, she resents anything or anyone who poses a threat to the Monarchy.
โI am glad Meghan isnโt going to be here,โ Funke continues, echoing what a few of the people thisislagos.ng spoke to have said.
For two Australian ladies who described themselves as “kind of royalists” the buzz is all about the coronation and for them it is a good thing that Megan Markel wonโt be in attendance.
“Australia is part of the commonwealth,” they said and “it’s probably a good thing” Megan Markel is not attending.
For a senior Brit, who’s seen it all and thinks it would be maniac to show up for the coronation itself, he thinks, this coronation is a once in a lifetime event. He isn’t keen on Meghan and Harry are not popular.
But Meghan Markel apart, nothing it seems, will dampen the mood for the coronation of King Charles III in just a few hoursโ time. There are flags and hats, t-shirts and banners all manner of paraphernalia up for sale to mark the โonce-in-a-lifetime occasion.โ
Itโs a carnival, a celebration, and a unifying event for all of the British Empire, Royalists or not.
Long live the King!
thisislagos.ng reporting from London as King Charles III is crowned.