Follow the latest news from the coronation of King Charles here
Kate, Princess of Wales, has told The National that her three children enjoyed participating in their grandfather King Charles III’s Coronation service.
The mother-of-three spoke about Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during an unannounced visit to a public picnic in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Sunday afternoon.
With her husband Prince William, the couple were among a welter of leading royals who got out to thank the public for their support.
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie attended a big lunch in Cranleigh, Surrey, on Sunday while Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence visited a community street party in Swindon, Wiltshire.
The mere mention of “Kate and Wills” in the crowds of revellers on Windsor’s Long Walk sparked a frenzy and sent people rushing towards a car that had stopped on the path to the king's castle.
Out stepped the Prince and Princess of Wales to a swarm of enthusiastic supporters who pushed curious and excited children to the front and scrambled to capture the moment on their phones.
A day after the eyes of the world had been on them at King Charles' Coronation, Prince William and his wife Kate cut casual figures during their tour of the party.
The National spoke to the Princess — and future queen — about how her children were feeling after taking part in their grandfather’s Coronation ceremony.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis had central roles in the historic occasion, which was watched by millions around the world.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis attend the coronation - in pictures
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Prince Louis yawns as he arrives at Westminster Abbey. AFP -
Prince William, Prince of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the Coronation. Getty -
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, children of William, Prince and Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrive at Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Getty Images -
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis follow their parents into Westminster Abbey. AP -
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with their mother, Kate. AP -
Prince George, left, serves as a page to King Charles III at Westminster Abbey. AP -
Prince George, centre, at the coronation ceremony. PA -
Prince George, left, with King Charles in Westminster Abbey. PA -
Prince George, centre, ahead of the coronation ceremony. PA
The Princess of Wales on Sunday reported that they were in good spirits.
“They’re good, thank you very much,” she told The National. “They enjoyed yesterday.”
Nine-year-old Prince George, second-in-line to the throne, had a special role in the service as he acted as one of four Pages of Honour to the king.
Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis were seated in the front row of Westminster Abbey, with their parents, to witness the crowning of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The young royals warmed the hearts of spectators as they performed their duties with impressive poise.
Louis — known for his mischievous antics — joined his sister and the adults in the abbey to sing “God Save the King” as the ceremony concluded.
The children afterwards accompanied their parents in a carriage from the church to Buckingham Palace before making an appearance on the balcony.
King Charles III's coronation: Incredible images from a historic day - in pictures
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King Charles III wearing the Imperial State Crown and carrying the Sovereign's Orb and Sceptre leaves Westminster Abbey after the coronation in May 6. AFP -
King Charles and Queen Camilla watch the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Reuters -
King Charles looks up as the St Edward's Crown is held above his head by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Getty -
Crowds fill the Mall following the coronation of King Charles. PA -
King Charles leaves Westminster Abbey as king. PA -
The Archbishop of Canterbury crowns King Charles. Reuters -
A girl waves Union Jack flags as King Charles and Queen Camilla wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. AP -
Queen Camilla departs Westminster Abbey. PA -
Military personnel as the coronation procession travels along the Mall towards Buckingham Palace. PA -
Prince William kisses his father King Charles III during his coronation ceremony. PA -
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with members of the royal family stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. EPA -
King Charles and Queen Camilla smile at each other on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. AFP -
King Charles receives the St Edward's Crown. PA -
Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey. AFP -
A giant screen in Piccadilly Circus, central London, showing the ceremony. AP -
King Charles and Queen Camilla after being crowned in Westminster Abbey. Getty -
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee Carriage. Getty -
King Charles begins the journey back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach. AFP -
People watch the coronation on a big screen at Bristol Cathedral. EPA -
The king and queen receive a royal salute from members of the military in the gardens of Buckingham Place. PA -
The king and queen in the Gold State Coach, pulled by eight Windsor Greys, at Parliament Square. PA -
Kate smiles as Prince Louis shouts as they wait for the Royal Air Force fly-past. AFP
For her visit to the coronation celebrations in the grounds of Windsor Castle, Kate, 41, opted for a causal look. She paired a blue blazer over a white T-shirt with black wide-legged trousers. Her trainers proved to be a sensible choice for the muddy ground following heavy rain on Saturday, although she joked to a guest: "I don't think they'll stay white very long."
Locals and people who had travelled from afar for the festivities welcomed the couple's decision to make a surprise visit to the gathering.
Many had hoped to attend the Coronation Concert, set to begin at 8pm, but had failed to obtain tickets.
Instead, they opted for the free party which included a children’s choir performance, a live band, and a Matilda theatre production.
Six-year-old Anishka Dasgupta told The National about her experience chatting to Prince William and Kate.
“Princess William gave me a high-five and Princess Kate shook by hand,” said the young royal fan, dressed in a Union Jack dress. “He asked if we liked the concert that was going on and I said yes. It felt good to meet them.
“I learn about the royal family in school. We learnt about the king and the coronation.”
Out on the streets of Windsor town the atmosphere was reminiscent of last year’s platinum jubilee celebrations and Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018.
But despite the area once again being the focal point of a major royal event, vendors reported lower-than-expected sales of souvenirs and merchandise.
David, who was selling flags and plastic hats bearing the face of King Charles, told The National that business had been dismal compared to previous occasions.
“I sold a lot for the platinum jubilee and a fair amount for Harry and Meghan’s wedding, but this has been by far the worst,” he said as crowds of partygoers passed him en route to the castle. “People are just not interested in Charles.”
He put the high number of attendees down to “curiosity” rather than ardent support for the new monarch.
