Prince Charles was left moved and delighted by the incredible display on his coronation. But a lip reader has found that he did have one complaint on the big day when he was on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
The Mirror reported that when the royals took to the balcony as the RAF flypast took place they looked delighted to be there. However, the weather meant that it was reduced from more than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force which had been due to take part.
The display over The Mall and Buckingham Palace was originally meant to last for six minutes, but the scaled-down version will last for less than half of that time. Instead of a wide variety of aircraft, it was reduced for safety reasons to helicopters and the Red Arrows.
King Charles and Queen Camilla waved and grinned at the thousands of people assembled in front of the palace. However even though the outpouring of support left the king delighted, he made clear on the balcony that he wished the weather had been better.
After appearing on the balcony, lip reader Elisabeth Taunton caught Charles looking out from the balcony and telling one of his pages of honour: “Isn’t it beautiful?” However, she claims he followed it up with: “If only it wasn’t so wet today.”
As the balcony appearance took place, revellers on The Mall could be seen huddling under umbrellas trying to keep dry as it came amid wet conditions.
The King issued a coronation message at the end of the weekend’s celebrations He said: “As the coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I just wanted to share our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion.
“We pay particular tribute to the countless people who have given their time and dedication to ensuring that the celebrations in London, Windsor and further afield were as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible.
“To those who joined in the celebrations – whether at home, at street parties and lunches, or by volunteering in communities – we thank you, each and every one.
“To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the realms and Commonwealth.”
