King Charles III, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, made a surprise appearance on the Mall on Friday evening, greeting well-wishers gathered outside Buckingham Palace on the eve of the coronation. The trio shook hands with members of the public, who cheered, took selfies, and sang God Save the King. A Sky News reporter described the crowd transforming from a 'sedate quiet crowd' to a 'very excitable throng' upon the royals' arrival.
Earlier in the day, the King hosted a lunch at Buckingham Palace for leaders of Commonwealth countries where he is head of state, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Prince Harry and Prince Andrew did not attend, amid ongoing speculation about their roles in the ceremony. US First Lady Dr Jill Biden spent the day with Akshata Murty, Sunak's wife.
Anti-monarchist group Republic has vowed to protest peacefully on Saturday, despite what they describe as intimidatory tactics by police and the government. The group plans to demonstrate near the coronation route, and Scotland Yard has indicated a low tolerance for protest on the day. King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla held a final rehearsal at Westminster Abbey.
Four British NGOs have called on the King to withdraw invitations to Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, citing human rights concerns. A letter warned that their presence risks legitimising repression, including the use of torture and the death penalty. The King's friend Jonathan Dimbleby said Charles finds the idea of a 'homage of the people' abhorrent, blaming the proposal on the Archbishop of Canterbury.
