As an American, there are really no opportunities to see members of the Royal Family unless you go to their side of the pond. Sometimes the occasion is planned like for a Platinum Jubilee, or sometimes it’s a surprise appearance at a pub.
After hours of traveling from Minnesota, my boyfriend and I finally landed at Heathrow. We’re here for the Coronation and, as always, I’ll be reporting for Royal Central. However, that seemed a world away as we struggled through all the usual airport nonsense. Then, I got a message from our Editor-in-Chief, Charlie Proctor. Hope you’re well, good flight? Let me know when you’re settled, all very British. Oh, and was I ready to start reporting? The Prince and Princess of Wales would be at The Dog and Duck in Soho the next day. Luckily, yes is a quick word to type. And while the airport madness continued, my mind was already whirring. I was going to see royalty.
Being this was a “normal” engagement, I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as timings. How early did I need to go? I made a pact with my boyfriend we would get there around 90 minutes before the couple were due to arrive. But then, as I told him, we needed to be comfortable with how that part of London is laid out. So let’s make it two hours, maybe more. I mean, who needs sleep? .
So around 9sih, just when I originally thought we might be heading out to get breakfast, we’d bought take away from a Coronation decorated supermarket and we were in Soho. And we weren’t the first. There were already people gathering to get the best spot. When you look at the engagement that happened, you will see big crowds. I can tell you that they started getting there early to make sure of being up close with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
I found a perfect spot to get some good coverage for Royal Central. And yes, I was thinking of what I needed to note down to cover the story. Then, just as I was starting to concentrate, I spotted someone else I’d always wanted to meet. I was elated to get to chat to top royal photographer, Chris Jackson, a personal hero for myself in the royal reporting department.
The wait passed quickly. The streets around the Soho pub filled up quickly and that big crowd you saw was getting excited. We expected the Prince and Princess of Wales to arrive around 1pm. They surprised everyone when they started casually walking down the street about a quarter to the hour. It was truly like a movie. You see videos of them walking into events and photos of the crowds but seeing it in person is a whole other experience. There’s a buzz that starts and doesn’t stop.
They were in the pub maybe about 20 minutes before they came out to greet everyone. I wasn’t sure if William or Kate would come to the side of the street I was on, but it happened to be William.
Imagine the barricades shaped like a cross. For a while he partially disappeared around the corner. As he got closer, I couldn’t believe it – I was going to meet the Prince of Wales.
I was expecting just a handshake but then His Royal Highness took the time to ask where I’m from and actually speak to me after I shared I was almost late to school because of his wedding. I even got a wink from him.
As he walked away, I just couldn’t stop smiling. Actually, I couldn’t stop the entire few hours of the event and the rest of the day We were hoping Kate would make her way to our side of the street but they were both greeting people as they worked their way down to the car.
While this is “another level of celebrity,” they were the furthest thing from it. They were so genuine and took time talking to other people. I wish I asked for a selfie but because of how it was lined up, I couldn’t see if others were getting one and honestly, I would have been crushed if I was turned down. It seems following the death of Queen Elizabeth II that the whole rule of “no selfies” is starting to disappear. I know I’ll have my chance. I’d live in London if I could. It’s not a matter of if, but when I come back and hopefully that next trip there is an engagement where I will get that opportunity.
Oh yes, and then I spoke to Royal Central about covering the engagement for our readers. Were my hands shaking as I uploaded videos of the Prince and Princess of Wales for the site and for our social media? Yes, but we got there. I think some of the excitement came from knowing that I was covering a story for readers who would have loved to have been there, too. I hope I’ve shared just how exciting a big royal engagement like this can be.
Because it was exciting. This is a time of history, the Coronation of a king, and to meet the heir to the throne at this time was amazing. It also made me stop and think. The Prince of Wales spent time talking to me and to dozens of others. And every conversation I heard was filled with kindness and a genuine interest. The Princess of Wales was doing exactly the same thing with other people in the crowd. Showing people they matter, just for a few seconds, is something everyone needs and taking the time to do it, and do it well, made me realise an aspect of modern royalty we don’t stop to consider. We see the handshakes, the smiles, the walkabout. But inside every one of those are human stories.
I genuinely can’t believe the start I had to Coronation week. I will never forget this day. It truly was magical and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
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