Royal Fever
© Benjamin CremelMay 5th. The rain finally stops to make way for a balmy afternoon in London. There's no chanting or such, but feverish enthusiasm is buzzing on the Mall by Buckingham Palace. Well-wishers clad in Union Jacks and paper crowns are getting ready for King Charles III's big day. Nine months have gone since Britain's long-reigning Queen Elizabeth II has passed and royalists have left their tears behind and flocked the two sides of the grand avenue to have a glimpse of the new monarch.
When a convoy stops right across, the impatience is palpable. There's a general gasp as the king, his son William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, step out for a walkabout. They are here to thank royal super fans, some of whom started camping a week ago without any sign of weariness. King Charles III shakes hands and laughs on the eve of his coronation, the first one in the country in 70 years.
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May 6th. The rain doesn't deter the public. They huddle under red, blue, white umbrellas or inside colourful tents. Hyde Park has set up 4 giant screens for those who want to witness history but would rather watch the ceremony far from the madness of the procession route. A woman sheds tears of delight as the crown goes on top of the king's head, she appears to be in her own bubble as she spontaneously waves at the screen showing images live from Westminster Abbey.
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May 7th. Rays of sunshine sparkle after a day of coronation showers. Cakes and scones aplenty, packed salads and sandwiches abound, tables are set up in Regent's Park for a street party to celebrate the new king. The Union Jack disposable tableware is a common theme here. Cold bubbly fizzes in plastic cups, dogs sniff buntings, people are loud and cheering.
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It's all in the details. A flash on King Charles. Union Jack heels. A cold tupperware of green peas. A drawing. A cuddle. A wink. It's a parallel world of euphoria.
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