A 68-year-old man from Streatham has been camping out outside of Buckingham Palace for over a week to secure a front-row seat for the historic occasion.

John Loughrey was the first person to be pitched outside of the palace, camping since Thursday, April 27.

He came prepared with a tent to sleep in, camping chairs and is dressed head to toe in patriotic attire.

He said: “We were the first ones to arrive on April 27, 2023.

“We’re all here for one thing: To see a coronation.

“I’ve been waiting 68 years to see a coronation – 68 years.

“And I don’t like coronations because it means the passing of a monarch.

“But, now that my mourning period’s over, I can’t wait to see a coronation, I really can’t wait.

“And that’s why we got here on the 27th.

“The best bit for me is when King Charles III and his Queen are crowned at Westminster Abbey, when they go along parliament in the coronation gold coach.

“When they approach here in the golden coach, King Charles III will be wearing the imperial state crown and that for me is it – then I’ve seen the coronation.

“One million people will be cheering them on and saying ‘hip hip hooray! God save the King!’ and doing the Mexican wave.

“And then we will all have a picnic and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

John explained that he has not slept much while camping out in wait for the coronation, but has been running on adrenaline instead. 

He added: “Of all the things I have been doing over the last quarter of a century, nothing is bigger than a coronation.”

Others have followed suit and brought tents and camping chairs to make sure that they have an excellent view of the celebrations.

The Coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday, May 6 and there are celebrations across the UK to mark the occasion.

In south London, numerous roads will be closed so that residents can hold street parties.