Despite cloudy skies and a drizzle, hardened souls emerged from tents and others began flocking to central London on Saturday morning to witness King Charles III’s coronation ceremony.
Among those already in position were friends Bryant and Alicia from Mobile, Alabama, who arrived in London on Thursday.
“I’ve followed the royal family since Will and Kate’s wedding and I was anticipating the coronation one day,” Alicia told CBS News.
“We met some great friends,” Bryant added.
“It’s beautiful, especially all the people from all over the world!” said Alicia.
Bryant and Alicia, friends from Mobile, Alabama, speak to CBS News on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace in central London, hours before the coronation of King Charles III. on May 6, 2023. CBS News
Denise, from Fall River, Massachusetts, also arrived Thursday and spent the night camping at The Mall near Buckingham Palace to reserve a good vantage point.
“I just like the royal family and have followed them for years and wanted to be a part of that story,” she told CBS News, adding that she thought King Charles would make a good monarch.
“I think he will follow closely in his mother’s footsteps with small adjustments. Give him his own spin, but he’s a traditionalist,” she told CBS News, adding that she’s always felt a connection to the British royal family.
“I’ve always said I was born on the wrong side of the pond,” she told CBS News.