Coronation Eve
Prince Harry took a first class ticket on an American Airlines flight Thursday night and touched down in London this morning (Friday). He is reportedly staying at Frogmore Cottage, probably for the last time, since the Sussexes’ use of the home was permitted through Coronation weekend. Harry has arrived to a city bubbling with the excitement of tomorrow’s Coronation. The anticipation has certainly been building all week.
In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, central London streets were unusually busy as the dress rehearsal for the Coronation took place in the dark.
Later that morning, at a more civilized hour, senior royals, including the King, Queen, and the Wales family, arrived at Westminster Abbey for their rehearsal. As you all know, all three children will be at the historic event, and all three were present at the rehearsal. James Whatling got some great exclusive photos, which you can view here.
Did this remind anyone else of William and Kate’s wedding rehearsals around this time 12 years ago? Something about those grainy images got me very excited for tomorrow.
On Thursday, William and Kate took the Elizabeth Line to Soho to visit the Dog & Duck pub and discuss how businesses are prepping for the Coronation. People who are in London right now, including readers of this Substack, are saying the excitement in the city is electric.
Today, Coronation events got rolling. William and Kate attended a luncheon for the Realm Governors General and Prime Ministers.
Afterward, the King, William, and Kate, did a walkabout outside Buckingham Palace greeting the gathered crowds camping along the Mall.
Then tonight, it was another reception—this one for foreign heads of state. Camilla hasn’t been at any functions today. I assume she is just preparing for tomorrow, but I do think it is odd she didn’t attend any of the welcome events today.
Kate wore three ensembles over the last two days that featured the red, blue, and white of the Union Jack. On Thursday, she recycled her Eponine London red coat with a white Suzannah dress she has worn several times, including to Wimbledon.
The white dress she wore to the lunch this afternoon appears to be by Jenny Packham.
Finally, Kate chose a Self Portrait dress for this evening’s reception with the heads of state.
I am planning to watch the Coronation live. I wanted to make the Coronation Quiche, but I am so exhausted by this newborn stage, I never would have pulled it together. Plus, my husband said he really preferred a quiche with meat. So we ordered a quiche, scones, and croissants and we will have lots of coffee and pineapple mimosas at 0-dark-hundred. I haven’t decided what channel I will watch. I will probably stream from ITV or BBC or even the Royal Family’s YouTube channel. There will be live feeds all over YouTube—just Google and choose the commentary you like the best!