Huge coronation rehearsal takes place overnight in London

Hundreds of soldiers and the State Coach took part

Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 3rd May 2023

We've had a glimpse of what King Charles' coronation will look like after a huge rehearsal took place last night.

Hundreds of soldiers were involved in the rehearsal, marching down from Buckingham Palace past Trafalgar Square and Downing Street to Westminster Abbey.

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach and Gold State Coach were marched down the Mall as part of the preparations for the full event on Saturday.

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach was accompanied by hundreds of soldiers on horseback as it travelled along the Mall, setting off shortly after 12.20am on Wednesday.

Royal fans waited for more than three hours for the parade to make a return journey down the Mall.

Crowds ran through St James’ Park to find the best spots near the palace with many trying to spot their relatives in their military outfits.

Hundreds of soldiers from the military, navy and RAF marched through central London before stopping along Whitehall and standing in silence.

Many carried a wide range of instruments such as saxophones, trumpets, horns and cymbals but only the drums were played by marching soldiers until they returned down the Mall after 3am.

Pictures from the rehearsal

The state coach


Soldiers outside Buckingham Palace


The procession heading down The Mall


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