King Charles and Queen Camilla were not in residence when a security breach occurred at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening, just days before their coronation. A man was detained by police after approaching the palace gates and throwing items, including suspected shotgun cartridges, into the grounds. A knife was also found, leading to his arrest on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
The Metropolitan Police carried out a controlled explosion as a precaution, and cordons were set up in the area. Scotland Yard has stated that the incident is not being treated as terror-related but as an isolated mental health case.
Despite the breach, the royal couple remain focused on the upcoming coronation. On Wednesday, they shared a post on Instagram showing military rehearsals for the event. The coronation weekend, from 6 to 8 May, will include the Big Lunch and Big Help Out events, with various royals participating.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend a big lunch in Cranleigh, while the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence will join a community street party in Swindon. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will attend a big lunch in Windsor. The coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday evening will feature performances by Take That, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.
Kensington Palace is expected to release details of the Prince and Princess of Wales's plans for the weekend. Buckingham Palace emphasised that the Big Help Out on Monday aims to highlight the positive impact of volunteering across the nation.
