Kate tells crowds in The Mall ‘coronation is a great moment for celebration’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Princess of Wales has described the King’s coronation as a “great moment for celebration” as the Prince praised The Mall’s “party atmosphere”. Questioned about how she and husband William were coping, the princess replied: “All good, hopefully a bit like swans, relatively calm on the outside and paddling on the inside.” And when asked about the King, she said: “Looking forward to it as well.” The couple posed for selfies with the royal fans, crouching down to get into the frame and at one point Kate joined a live video call with a woman’s father called Peter. Waving at the person on the other end of the call, she said: “Hi Peter, sorry you’re not here.” And when handed a phone by another well-wisher, Kate took the voice call and chatted away and again said: “I’m so sorry you’re not here.” When one woman told William she had flown from Phoenix, Arizona, and would be camping out in The Mall overnight, he replied “No way, well done you.” He added with a smile: “There’s not much sleeping going on around here, they’re all sat in their chairs. I think there’s a good party atmosphere.” With rain forecast for Saturday he put his hands together and said: “I pray you guys stay dry.” Preparations for the coronation are nearing their completion with The Mall decorated with huge union flags and others from the Commonwealth and crash barriers and other crowd control measures in place.