Royal superfans from around the world set up camp in the Mall to get best spot for historic coronation
ROYAL superfans from around the world have set up camp in the Mall to make sure they are in the best spot to enjoy a glorious moment of history.
Some have spent more than £4,000 to be in London to witness the coronation procession tomorrow.
Mo Shelley, 60, from Christchurch, New Zealand, travelled over with her husband Brett.
She said: “I think King Charles is very much a man of the people.
“I’ll never get to see anything like this again.”
Americans Rowena, 54, and Bill Keen, 55, flew from Atlanta, Georgia, to soak up the atmosphere ahead of the King’s crowning.
Rowena said: “I didn’t want to miss being a part of history.”
She said of the royals: “I think they are great.”
Christine Wofford, 70, from Canton, Michigan, was carrying a “USA loves King Charles” sign.
She said: “I think he’ll be amazing and carry on in his mother’s footsteps. He admired her so much and he’ll do her proud.
“I just love the pomp and pageantry of it all. We have nothing like it back home.”
Fellow American Donna Werner is marking the occasion by wearing an elaborate home-made hat which features Charles at the front sitting on the throne.
Donna, from New Fairfield, Connecticut, said: “I’m really excited to see him crowned.
“This will probably be one of the last events I’ll get to as the royal children won’t be getting married for a good while yet.”
Brits, of course, have come out in force too. Some pitched their tents as early as Thursday of last week.
Anne Daley, sporting a makeshift crown, revealed her father was a guardsman at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.
Anne, from Cardiff, revealed: “I ended up with pneumonia after camping out for the Queen’s lying-in state but it was worth it. To see Charles crowned King will be lovely.”
Royal addict John Loughrey, 68, enthused: “This is a once in a lifetime event. It’s the cherry on the cake of all the others I’ve been to.”
He was joined by his usual royal occasion pals, including Caryll Foster and Sky London, both 63.
A new addition, former Blues and Royals officer Geoffrey York, 69, said: “I met John and the gang at the Queen’s funeral. I’m ex-service so I wouldn’t want to miss this.”
First-time camper Katherine Taylor, 36, from Leeds, said of Charles: “He seems really down to earth and he cares about the future and the environment.”
The healthcare worker added: “I’m so excited. I practised (camping) in my mum’s garden last week to make sure I had everything I need to keep warm.”
In a small, one-person tent we found Carleen Quirk, 81, from New South Wales, Australia.
She said: “I’ve spent about 2,700 dollars getting here but I’m making a holiday of it in Europe.”
Pauline Casey, 52, flew over from Cork in the Irish Republic with her two teenage daughters and picked up their tent and camping chairs at Argos after landing.
She said: “It’s just nice to be here with everyone to celebrate and enjoy something positive.”
