Coronation of a King

And we were as close as we could be, to being part of it!

After a dry night in sleeping bags (fully clothed including shoes and raincoats) in our small camping chairs, we were fully awake by 5am. I actually slept for 2 hours - 1 till 2 and 4 till 5. Jon didn't sleep at all. It had been very noisy all night, with a constant stream of cleaning vehicles and police cars. The temperature dropped at around 3am and I felt cold then. But dozed back off. At 5 I woke and Jon wasn't there. Just when I thought I'd go to the loo. He had got in first. When he returned he said 'go now!' Apparently the ladies was closed for cleaning and women were queuing for the men's. So I did that! Very civilised, all just using the mens.

The space around us had filled up so we were pleased with our place by the barrier. I then painted my face. I thought everyone would be doing it - they hadn't!!! Jon wouldn't let me do him. Not even a cheek! The morning dragged, and then it started to rain. And rain. And rain. We eventually folded up our chairs and stood by the barrier to secure our places. People were pushing and edging forwards. We basically stood for about 4 hours. During that time, the police lined up along the barriers facing us, then moved along, then back, continuously. This meant we got to chat to several different police officers from the Met and from the City. They were joined by military and the important bit began. The arrival of the 4000 different troops, marching or on horseback, with bands, etc it was incredible, and a privilege to be so close and part of it. Then the King and Queen arrived in the carriage above. I took pictures with my proper camera, whilst also wanting to watch them in person. Jon took the carriage photo with his mobile. Then a 2 hour wait before they returned in the gold carriage. During that time every division of the military, prepared and got into formation right in front of us. There were a lot of women in every different regiment. Watching them do their manoeuvres was great to keep us entertained. Especially the bands. We listened to the service from giant speakers. Then the royals returned in the gold carriage, followed by all of the other carriages with the rest of the family. A real treat to see. They were behind the police but we still saw them and I took more photos with my proper camera.

Then the long wait to be released from Parliamemt Street. After about an hour, we slowly edged up the road. Some people went on to The Mall, but we knew there was no chance of seeing the balcony bit, so we opted to head towards the river. Snaking our way through the rain to a toilet near the embankment. A whole 10 hours since our 5am stop in the gents at Westminster!

We then walked to The George Inn, in Southwark, luckily snapping the red arrows on their way to The Mall. In hindsight we should have just gone to the train but I wanted to show Jon this historic pub I had visited with friends last year. It was raining heavily, so we got very wet. Then when we got there it took ages to get served, I felt they were rude, and a further 2 chases from Jon before our coffee arrived. Anyway, he saw the galleried 16th/17th century building which is famed as being frequented by William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.

We walked straight up to Liverpool Street and got straight on a train. Picked up our car in Ware and drove to mum's...where we have decided to stay tonight. Watched the bits of the coronation we missed. What a good show - so glad we were there. A bit of rain never hurt anyone!

Apparently only 10000 steps today. It feels like more!!