Preparations for King Charles' Coronation are “going to the wire” and leaving organisers' nerves shredded, royal insiders say.
Sources revealed there were “plenty of last minute nerves” ahead of the historic ceremony on Saturday, but those involved are relying on the old showbiz maxim that "it’ll be alright on the night".
Meanwhile, excitement surrounding the event reached fever pitch as the King joined royal fans outside Buckingham Palace.
Charles delighted the crowds with a surprise appearance alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales on the eve of today’s historic occasion.
Even thunderstorms and heavy May showers could not dilute the buzzing atmosphere as the trio greeted hundreds of well-wishers.
His Majesty was all smiles as he made his way down one side of the colossal line in London, laughing as cheers rang out of “God Save the King” and “We love you Charlie”.
Kate told those gathered how her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were all feeling ahead of playing their part in today’s big event.
She said: “They’re really well, thank you. Excited, a bit nervous, obviously, with a big day ahead. Can’t wait.”
When asked how she and William were feeling, Kate, 41, replied: “All good. Hopefully a bit like a swan, relatively calm on the outside and paddling on the inside.”
On Charles, she added: “I’m sure he’s looking forward to it as well. It’s nice to be out here saying ‘hello’ to everyone who has stayed out for so long.”
William and Kate posed for selfies with fans, while the Princess even appeared to join one in a video call.
The King laughed when asked by one man if he was “nervous for tomorrow”. And was heard joking to some children: “No school? You’ve done very well.”
Trisha Hollis, from Hull, was soaked but smiling after the royal walkabout.
The 71-year-old, who has pitched a tent on The Mall, said of being able to see the Coronation procession: “It’s history and I think at my age it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I think I was two when the Queen was crowned but obviously I have no recollection of that.
“I admire the royal family, I’m glad we have them. I think the Queen did a sterling job.”
Speaking of the rain that threatened to ruin the day, Trisha, added: “What will be will be. It’s 24 hours in my life. I will get dry and warm again sometime so I’ll grin and bear it.”
Theresa Iredale, who turns 66 today, told how she shook the King’s hand, calling it a “very special moment”.
She said: “He said, ‘Thank you for coming,’ and he appreciated it and I did say it's my birthday and he said, ‘Oh, congratulations.’ I was shaking.
“I saw his hand coming out to mine and I was like, I can’t believe I’m shaking the King’s hand."
The Armed Forces have promised a “spectacular” display of pomp and pageantry when the King and Camilla travel through the capital.
It will be the military’s largest ceremonial operation since Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 Coronation, with 9,000 personnel deployed. As the royal couple make their way back from Westminster Abbey to the Palace in the Gold State Coach, the procession featuring 4,000 ceremonial troops behind them will stretch for a mile.
The MoD said: “It will be spectacular and with the precision and detail you would expect.
“We have taken key lessons and best bits from previous Coronations, the Platinum Jubilee, the late Queen’s funeral and added them to our plan.”
Before his walkabout yesterday, the King took part in a final rehearsal at the Abbey, where a 2,300-strong congregation will see him crowned.
Royal insiders said there were “plenty of last minute nerves” as preparations were “going to the wire”.
One source added: “It’s still very much a case of it’ll be alright on the night but the main thing is everyone is pulling in the same direction to do the whole occasion justice.”
It was thought Prince Harry had not yet arrived in country as the King met fans.
More than 300 million people around the world are expected to watched the Coronation.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, who is conducting the service, said the ceremony serves as “a powerful reflection and celebration of who we are, in all our wonderful diversity”.
Most Reverend Justin Welby promised the event would be “beautiful, joyful and historic”.
He added: “But this is not simply history. I hope the service offers people an opportunity to hear the living words of God, which bring good news to every person.
“I will be praying that everyone who shares in this service, in the Abbey, across the country and beyond, will find ancient wisdom and new hope.
“I pray that it inspires us all, like the King and Queen, to live our lives in service to others.”
