The anticipation of the coronation of King Charles III. has been overshadowed by concerns about bad weather. According to the BBC weather forecast, there was a 70 percent chance of rain in the London Borough of Westminster over Saturday’s midday hours.
For the planned procession of the royal couple from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey at 10 a.m. British summer time (11 a.m. CEST) and back again after the ceremony from 1 p.m. (2 p.m. CEST), these are not good prospects. Although the royal couple travels both ways in a closed carriage, rain is likely to be unpleasant for other participants and spectators.
Possible plan changes
In the worst case, the weather could even force the organizers to change plans: heavy rain could complicate the planned overflight of more than 60 Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft and helicopters. The aircraft traditionally thunder over the palace at major royal events, while the royal family shows off to their subjects on the balcony.
If visibility were severely restricted, the number of aircraft would have to be reduced or the overflight canceled altogether, the Sky News broadcaster quoted a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense in London as saying. British Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston told the PA news agency there was a 50/50 chance of that happening.
King Charles III stay relaxed
Despite all the tension so close to the coronation – according to the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, Charles III. “relaxed and very friendly”. The clergyman, who, as head of Westminster Abbey, is responsible for the coronation service together with the Archbishop of Canterbury, told Sky News.
The cleric told of a rehearsal of the ceremony, which was conducted at the church on Wednesday with the participation of the king and other royals. “The king was relaxed and very friendly, he took the time to thank all the people who make it all possible,” said Hoyle. Although he carries a great burden with all the things he has to do, he doesn’t give the impression of being nervous.
Rehearsals are made with replicas of the crowns. For the first time, however, the real scepter and staff were used. He expects the ceremony on Saturday to be “pretty breathtaking”.
