The first glimpses of the Coronation carriages have been revealed at rehearsals in central London overnight.
Thousands of soldiers marched from Buckingham Palace past Trafalgar Square and Downing Street to Westminster Abbey in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Band Of The Household Cavalry, wearing their striking gold and red liveries, led the parade to the backdrop of the national anthem just after 12.20am.
Crowds filtered through St James' Park to find the best spots along The Mall, with many trying to glimpse their relatives in ceremonial garb.
Onlookers huddled around The Mall, which was fenced off and lined with armed Yeomen Warders, or Beefeaters, as the band passed by, followed by regiments of mounted soldiers.
They fell silent, captivated, as the Diamond Jubilee State Coach was pulled along the route by six Windsor Grey horses.
When His Majesty travels back from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, he will be at the heart of the largest military procession in London for 70 years
Credit: The Daily Telegraph
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach is led in a procession as it leaves Buckingham Palace
Credit: AP
The Coronation procession makes its way towards Admiralty Arch
Credit: Shutterstock
At least 15 tents were already positioned along The Mall and royal fans tested the view they may have of the King on Saturday, when he will be sitting in the same Diamond Jubilee State Coach on his way to Westminster Abbey.
Margaret Tinsley, 81, a former nurse from Gillingham North Dorset, pitched a tent on The Mall on Tuesday afternoon to ensure she has a front row view for the Coronation.
The crowning of King Charles will be the seventh major royal event that Ms Tinsley and Shirley Messinger, 76, a retired lab technician from New Forest, have camped out for together.
“Charles and Diana in ‘81, Prince Andrew and Sarah, the Queen mother’s funeral, William and Katherine, Jubilee on the Thames, and Harry and Meghan," said Ms Messinger, recalling past occasions.
The King’s Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which was built in Australia and first used in 2014, departed Buckingham Palace through the Centre Gate, and proceeded down The Mall, passing through Admiralty Arch and south of King Charles I Island, down Whitehall and along Parliament Street.
Soldiers from a wide variety of regiments took part
Credit: The Daily Telegraph
Soldiers from the military, navy and RAF took part
Credit: PA
“It was really exciting for me to see the Australian state coach," said Ms Tinsley, who is originally from Australia. “For an Aussie, it's brilliant.”
John Loughrey, 68, claimed to be the first person to set up his tent on The Mall on April 27, nine days before the Coronation.
He told the PA news agency: "We like the build up, the rehearsals and seeing people throughout the day.
"There are a lot of tourists and they come and say they wish they had something like this in their country."
The Coronation of King Charles III will take place this weekend
Credit: PA
Soldiers paraded past Buckingham Palace
Credit: PA
Mr Loughrey explained he had been camping outside royal events for 26 years and spent a month camping out after Princess Charlotte was born.
He added: "We did a lot of research. We (picked this spot) because there are no trees so you can see the Red Arrows."
While the carriage and regiments of horses walked Downing Street, soldiers and military bands practised protocols on The Mall.
From Northallerton to the Isle of Mull, Belfast to Birmingham, soldiers of the British Army were gathered in London to prepare for the biggest ceremonial event of their lives
Credit: The Daily Telegraph
The rehearsal took place despite an earlier security scare
Credit: AP
Soldiers also lined the streets of Whitehall with many holding standards as they marched in Parliament Square and practised changing position as Big Ben chimed.
The sound of drumbeat could be heard across Westminster as different parts of the parade sprung into action, including units from Commonwealth countries who were also practising their march.
The procession returned to Buckingham Palace shortly after 3am with bands in full swing, shortly before the Gold State Coach passed the palace.
People lined up to see their relatives taking part in the rehearsal
Credit: The Daily Telegraph
The Metropolitan Police said the suspect was detained at around 7pm on Tuesday after he approached the palace's gates in central London and threw a number of items.
He was held on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after he was searched and a knife was found, but he was not carrying a gun.
Cordons were put in place and Scotland Yard said a controlled explosion was carried out as a precaution as the man had a "suspicious bag".
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By Rachel Russell & Christy Cooney
BBC News
A man was arrested outside Buckingham Palace after throwing suspected shotgun cartridges into Palace grounds, police have said.
A cordon was erected and a controlled explosion carried out following the incident, which unfolded at around 19:00 BST on Tuesday.
The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. There are no reports of any injuries.
The incident is not currently being treated as terror-related.
Overnight rehearsals for the Coronation on Saturday went ahead as planned.
Police say the man was searched and a knife was found but that he was not carrying a gun. They say he was also found to be in possession of a suspicious bag and that a controlled explosion was carried out as a precaution following an assessment by specialists.
It is understood it is being treated as an isolated mental health incident.
The arrest comes just four days before the King's Coronation celebrations - which will be attended by world leaders and other royals from around the world.
Security minister Tom Tugendhat described the response as "a fantastic piece of policing", adding that "a huge security operation" is in place ahead of the Coronation.
"As you saw last night, the police and security services are absolutely ready to intervene when necessary," he told BBC Breakfast.
The King and the Queen Consort - who live at nearby Clarence House - were not at Buckingham Palace at the time of the arrest, although the King did host Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the palace earlier on Tuesday.
Chief Supt Joseph McDonald said: "Officers worked immediately to detain the man and he has been taken into police custody.
"There have been no reports of any shots fired, or any injuries to officers or members of the public.
"Officers remain at the scene and further enquiries are ongoing."
The BBC's royal producer Sarah Parrish was in the broadcast compound outside Buckingham Palace when she was told to leave and wait outside.
She told the BBC News Channel that those who were evacuated had "heard the controlled explosion and then we were allowed back in again."
The suspected shotgun cartridges have been recovered and will be examined by specialists. Roads in the area have now reopened and the cordons have been lifted.
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment.
Reuters
Rehearsals for the Coronation saw soldiers dressed in bright yellow and red uniforms file past the palace and along the Mall in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The parade also featured soldiers on horseback and the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which will carry the King and Queen Consort from the palace to Westminster Abbey.
Extra security is expected in the capital for the Coronation, which policing minister Chris Philp has described as a "huge policing operation".
Asked about the prospect of protesters disrupting the weekend's events, Maj Gen Chris Ghika, a senior British Army officer overseeing the ceremony, said the Metropolitan Police has "an excellent security plan in place, which will allow the parade to go ahead".
Chris Phillips, former head of the UK National Counter Terrorism Security Office, told the BBC that police have been planning for the Coronation for years, and that an "enormous amount of planning" has gone into the security operation.
"The police should be celebrated for it, and fingers crossed it all goes well on Saturday," he said.
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A nine-year-old boy died after being “repeatedly assaulted and beaten” by his mother and her fiance, who held him down in cold baths and poured water over him outside at night, a court has heard.
Alfie Steele had 50 injuries on his body when he was found lifeless in a bath at home in Droitwich on 18 February 2021, and was later pronounced dead at Worcester Royal hospital.
His mother, Carla Scott, 35, and her partner, Dirk Howell, 41, are jointly accused of his murder.
Opening the case at Coventry crown court on Tuesday, the prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC said Alfie was “made to endure a life that no child should lead”.
“He had been deliberately and repeatedly assaulted, beaten, and put into and held under a cold bath as a punishment, and that unlawful course of conduct, that unnecessary punishment, was carried out jointly by Carla Scott and Dirk Howell,” Heeley told the court.
The jury heard that the couple hit Alfie with belts or a slider – “like a heavy duty flip-flop” – as well as “dunking” him naked in cold baths and making him stand outside at night and have cold water thrown over him.
Scott had Alfie with a man in a previous relationship, at which time social services were involved. The couple broke up in 2017, Scott started dating Howell in July 2019 and within six months they were engaged, the court heard.
Heeley said neighbours raised their concerns with the authorities “within a short period of time of these two getting together”.
“Dirk Howell believed in discipline; on the face of it not a bad thing when bringing up young children,” Heeley said. “But whereas you might think of discipline as being the naughty step, or having set bed times, for Dirk Howell discipline was far more physical and psychological.”
She said neighbours “saw a child standing outside the house begging to be let in, with both defendants refusing them entry”, and Howell was seen shouting and swearing in the street.
After social services became involved again, Howell was banned from staying in the family home overnight, but the couple “flouted this rule wilfully and continuously”, Heeley said.
“Carla Scott clearly knew what he was like, but let him stay anyway.”
On the day of her son’s death, Scott dialled 999 at 2.24pm claiming “Alfie had fallen asleep in the bath” and she had found him “submerged”, adding he had previously hit his head.
Police arrived at the house six minutes later and found Alfie lifeless and “cold to the touch”, Heeley said. A postmortem examination concluded the cause of his death was “unascertained”.
Heeley said: “He didn’t die of natural causes, he had bruises all over his body, and signs that he had been deprived of oxygen.”
Scott told police she had not seen Howell for two days before Alfie’s death, but a police officer is said to have spotted him on a nearby street just minutes after her 999 call and the prosecution allege he had stayed at the home overnight.
He was arrested by police while trying to board a stationary train at Droitwich railway station. “What were they both trying to hide at that point? Their guilt. They knew what they had done and Dirk Howell’s first instinct was to run,” Heeley said.
Jurors were told Howell had admitted cruelty offences against other children before the trial, but denies murder, manslaughter, cruelty or causing or allowing the death of Alfie.
Scott also denies murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of Alfie and child cruelty offences against her son and other children.
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Unions representing more than one million NHS workers have voted to accept a 5 per cent pay rise from the government following months of strikes.
Healthcare staff covered by 14 unions will be given the raise for 2023-24, along with two one-off payments for last year, after the majority voted in favour of the deal at the NHS staff council today.
Unison and the GMB, which represent ambulance staff and other healthcare workers, were key organisations to sway the vote after their members voted last month to accept.
However, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Unite members rejected the offer, meaning members of both unions could decide to hold further strikes.
The RCN, which represents 280,000 nurses, midwives and nursing assistants, has already said it will go ahead with a new ballot for strike action to be held between June and December. Health leaders have raised concerns over the “worrying” prospect of further walkouts.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “While the NHS staff council outcome is very positive news overall, it is not the line in the sand that will allow the NHS and those relying on its care to confidently move on from the threat of future strikes.
Health secretary Steve Barclay called the agreement a “good day for NHS staff and patients” and said he will implement the deal for all staff, even those who have not accepted the offer.
The NHS may still face further strikes from junior doctors, who were not covered by this pay deal.
The RCN’s original mandate for strikes ran out on 1 May meaning it must ask members to vote again on whether to walk out. It said any strike action could take place “across the full NHS”, which would be an escalation on earlier action that only occurred in around half of trusts.
RCN general secretary Pat Cullen said acceptance of the pay deal was “not the prevailing view of nursing staff”. She told The Independent last week that the government faces years of strike action if it does not change the way it sets pay levels in the future.
The bank holiday weekend saw the most extensive strikes yet from nurses, with A&E, critical care and cancer care workers taking part for the first time.
Sara Gorton, head of health at Unison, said: “Health staff shouldn’t have needed to take action in the first place, proper pay talks last autumn could have stopped health workers missing out on money they could ill afford to lose. The NHS and patients would also have been spared months of disruption.”
Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said: “Trust leaders are breathing a sigh of relief at today’s decision. We hope that this brings an end to the most disruptive period of industrial action in NHS history.
“But the NHS isn’t out of the woods yet. Despite this result, nobody can deny the scale of longstanding and mounting pressures facing staff, frontline services and the quality of care that they can give. We mustn’t forget that the various unions were not unanimous in their vote today, reflecting the strength of feeling among NHS staff.”
Mr Barclay said: “I’m pleased the NHS Staff Council has voted to accept our pay offer, demonstrating that a majority of NHS staff agree this is a fair and reasonable deal.
“It is now my intention to implement this for all staff on the Agenda for Change contract and where some unions may choose to remain in dispute, we hope their members – many of whom voted to accept this offer – will recognise this as a fair outcome that carries the support of their colleagues and decide it is time to bring industrial action to an end.”
The deal comes as the government remains in dispute with junior doctors who staged a four-day strike last month. Doctors’ union the British Medical Association initially called for the government to address a 26 per cent real terms pay cut since 2008-9, which would mean the government would have to agree to a 35 per cent raise this year. However, it has since signalled that the 35 per cent would be a starting point should the government open negotiations with a “credible” counteroffer.
Volunteering is at a historic low in England, with two different pieces of research revealing the damaging, long-term effect the pandemic has had.
There is just one week to go before the Big Help Out, an official part of the coronation weekend designed to create one of the biggest community activations in British history.
But the Time Well Spent 2023 report from National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), which surveyed 7,000 adults, found that those raising money or taking part in sponsored events has fallen by 48%, from 11% to 6%, since 2018.
The report also found that those organising or helping to run an activity has fallen by 52%, from 14% to 7%, and those campaigning on behalf of a charity has gone down by 49%, from 8% to 4%.
“The impact of Covid on volunteering has been profound,” said Sarah Vibert, CEO of NCVO.
“People who were lifelong volunteers broke their habit during the pandemic and haven’t yet got back to it. Millions more who would have committed to longer-term volunteering didn’t have the chance.”
More data from the Charities Aid Foundation’s (CAF) UK Giving report found that only 13% of people said they volunteered in the last year, compared with 17% pre-pandemic, representing about 1.6 million fewer people volunteering over the past five years.
CAF’s report also reveals that volunteering is overwhelmingly the preserve of elderly people: only 6% to 7% of people aged 16 to 44 had volunteered in the past year, and just 5% of 45- to 54-year-olds. At least 10% of those aged 65 and older, in contrast, had volunteered.
But some experts and grassroots organisations have warned that the goal of the Big Help Out to inspire the next generation of volunteers is compromised by its explicit links to the monarchy.
“I would have liked to volunteer but by making the event part of the coronation, I can’t do it,” said Quamina, founder of Dope Black Queers.
“The monarchy is the very antithesis of what my charity is about – many of the difficulties we face in society are a direct result of colonialism and the monarchy, both historically and how they operate now.”
Shanelle Webb, who runs the Soul Shack, a Black and youth-led social enterprise in the London borough of Lambeth, agreed that linking the Big Help Out to the drive to find more volunteers was problematic.
“I think a lot of my service users would be disappointed in my charity if we took part,” she said.
“The fact the coronation is costing so much money is an issue: that makes its call for volunteers to work for free to help people struggling with the cost of living look like it’s not really about people: it’s just about making the coronation look good.”
The Time Well Spent survey also revealed the positive impact that volunteering has on people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Vibert said: “Given how important volunteering is to our social fabric – and how much people get out of it – we need an urgent focus on helping people find opportunities that suit them.”
But Ed Mayo, chief executive of Pilotlight, which assists charities to succeed, questioned whether a short-term drive like the Big Help Out could turn the volunteering crisis around.
“We need to change the social norm around volunteering,” he said. “Research proves that a one-off event can’t do that: it requires long-term targeting of the public over many years.”
Prof Matthew Flinders from the University of Sheffield’s politics department agreed. “The challenge is to sustain the energy, the positive heat that is generated for the longer term,” he said. “Otherwise the Big Help Out will just be a flash in the pan.”
Michael Allen, 35, from Liskeard, has been named locally as the victim in an outbreak of violence near the Eclipse Nightclub in Bodmin, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
At least seven others were taken to hospital after the incident suffering stab wounds with injuries ranging from ‘serious’ to ‘minor,’ although none were described as life-threatening.
Michael Allen, 35, from Liskeard, was stabbed to death in Bodmin, while at least seven other were injured
(PA Media)
Devon and Cornwall Police have since launched a murder investigation and arrested a 24-year-old man from Bodmin on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
As the police probe continues, family, friends and teammates have paid tribute to the “absolute legend” and “kind-hearted” Mr Allen, who lived in Bodmin and was a popular player at the local rugby club Bodmin RFC.
Here is everything we know about the incident so far:
What happened?
Devon and Cornwall Police were called at 3.15am on Sunday to Castle Canyke Road following a report of “a serious altercation”.
The force then received further reports that someone was in possession of a knife and that multiple people had suffered stab wounds.
A victim in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later named locally as 33-year-old Michael Allen. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialised officers.
At least seven other men and women were injured and rushed to hospital, but none were said to be in a life-threatening condition.
The force confirmed that some of those caught up in the incident had been in the Eclipse nightclub earlier in the evening, but it said the attack itself happened outside.
Pictures taken on Monday show a police cordon that remains around the scene outside Eclipse nightclub.
A man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene outside Eclipse nightclub in Bodmin
(Google Maps)
What do we know about the victims?
Tributes to the “absolute legend” and “kind-hearted” rugby player Mr Allen have poured in from family, friends and teammates.
Alongside a request for privacy, his family has today paid the following tribute: “Mike was simply a much-loved son, brother, grandson, and uncle who loved his dogs.”
A friend said: “You were a great funny guy Michael Allen, an absolute legend, heart of gold. Rest in peace big man absolutely gutted.”
Another took to social media to write of her devastation and pay tribute to her “kind-hearted” friend, whose nickname was ‘Chabel’.
Michael Allen, 35, has been named locally as the victim in an outbreak of violence near the Eclipse Nightclub in Bodmin, in the early hours of Sunday morning
(Supplied)
A third wrote of her sadness on Facebook, describing Mr Allen as “such a lovely, bubbly lad”.
A family member wrote: “What a horrible world we live in, Michael, love you always cuz. He really was the kindest, most gentle man. He will be very missed.”
The Hole in the Wall, Bodmin, held a minute’s silence for Mr Allen on Sunday evening as it was a pub he used to go to often, especially with his teammates.
Licensee Stephen Hall told The Independent that, while he did not know Mr Allen personally, he frequently saw the rugby player in the pub and many pubgoers knew him.
“There’s a lot of shock and emotion about what happened in the early hours,” Mr Hall said. “It affects the town greatly - but, more importantly, it affects the family and friends.”
Tributes to the “absolute legend” and “kind-hearted” rugby player Mr Allen have poured in from family, friends and teammates
Alongside a picture of him playing rugby, fellow Bodmin RFC player Ollie Brooks wrote: “It was a pleasure Chabel. Fly high brother. Mike Allen [heart].” Similarly, Lachlan Blacklaw paid tribute to his teammate, writing: “It was a pleasure Chabel. Never Forgotten Brother. Run hard forever. Mike Allen [heart].”
Bodmin RFC announced on social media on Monday afternoon: “It is with great sadness that we can now announce the passing of our player and friend Mike Allen (Chabel).
“Mike came to the club earlier this season and quickly became a big part of our squad. His humour and kindness has left a mark on us all and we will miss him dearly.
“Our thoughts are with Mike’s family at this devastating time.
“There is a memorial set up outside the rugby club where people are welcome to come to pay their respects and lay flowers.
“Fly high brother.”
Helston RFC also paid tribute to the sports player, posting: “The thoughts of everyone here at Helston RFC are with Bodmin RFC today. The tragic loss of Mike Allen will be felt by all. Our condolences to his family, friends and club.”
Lankelly Fowey Rugby Club wrote of how “deeply saddened” the whole club is to hear of Mr Allen’s passing. “All of us at Lankelly RFC are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Chabel (Mike Allen),” it wrote. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Bodmin RFC community during this difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that we stand with you in this time of mourning. Bodmin RFC.”
A tribute site has been set up at Bodmin Rugby Club, where people can gather to remember Mr Allen. Local officers will be there to help support the community. The community hub will run from 4-6pm on Monday and then twice daily from 10am-midday and 4-6pm for the next week.
What have the police said?
The force announced, alongside news of the man’s death, that a murder investigation had been launched.
A 24-year-old man from Bodmin has been arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He remains in police custody at this time.
No one else is being sought in connection with the incident, with the police describing it as “isolated”.
Devon and Cornwall Police announced a murder investigation has been launched
Supt Rob Youngman said it was not currently known what the relationship was between the arrested man and the victim and they were still trying to establish a motive.
He said: "At this moment in time we are working to continue to understand the motivation behind this incident. The relationship, if any, between those involved is not clear at this stage.
"We believe some members of the group who were injured had been in Eclipse nightclub. They were then outside in Castle Canyke Road when the incident happened."
Previously, Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson, from the major crime investigation team, urged anyone with information that may assist their investigation to come forward and report it but implored the public to refrain from speculation.
She said: “At this time we are treating this as an isolated matter and we are not seeking anyone else in connection to this incident.
“This is a live and active police investigation, and I would urge people not to speculate on social media but if you have information which may assist us, please report it.”
East Cornwall local Policing superintendent Rob Youngman expressed his sympathies for the victim’s family.
He said in a statement: “Understandably, this incident will have an impact on the local community, and our thoughts are with the families of the victims.”
He added: “Anyone who has not yet been spoken to by officers, and has any information which may assist our investigation, please get in touch. This could include any relevant dashcam, doorbell and CCTV footage from the area of Victoria Square and along Castle Canyke Road.”
How has the local community reacted?
Cornwall councillor Leigh Frost said the attack in his ward was “shocking and devastating” for Bodmin.
He told BBC News: “Bodmin is a small town and it’s not rife with crime, it’s quite a friendly place. We are a strong community and we will pull together and get through this together.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved, the victim and his family.
“I also praise the emergency services for responding so quickly and the police for ensuring there is a full investigation.”
Scott Mann, MP for North Cornwall, shared his own upset at the “truly horrific news”.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and the family of the victims,” he wrote on Twitter.
Residents also took to social media to share their disdain at the attack, with one Twitter user stating: “Such sad news from Bodmin today. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this.”
What is happening at the scene now?
Officers remain at the scene near the Eclipse Nightclub in Bodmin on Monday after the tragic incident. Investigators wearing white suits have also been photographed in the area.
Anyone who has witnessed the incident or has any information, including footage that could help with enquiries, is urged to contact police via the Major Incident Public Portal.
Donald Trump has touched down in Scotland this morning to open a long-delayed second golf course at his Aberdeenshire estate.
The former US president, 76, is visiting the Trump International Golf Links at Balmedie, where he will cut a ribbon to announce work on a project he described on social media as “a new and SPECTACULAR Second Course in Aberdeen”.
Before getting into a waiting car, Trump said: “It’s great to be home, this was the home of my mother.”
“Trump Force One” landed at Aberdeen airport this morning
ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Trump has said many times that he inherited his love of Scotland from his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. She was a native Gaelic speaker and met his father after emigrating to the United States as a young woman.
