Princess of Wales says her children ‘enjoyed’ King Charles III’s coronation

Kate, Princess of Wales, has told The national that her three children were happy to participate in the coronation service of their grandfather, King Charles III.

The mother-of-three spoke about Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during an unannounced visit to a public picnic in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Sunday afternoon. With her husband Prince William, the couple belonged to a hodgepodge of leading royals who thanked the public for their support.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie attended a large luncheon in Cranleigh, Surrey, on Sunday, while Princess Anne, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence attended a street party in Swindon, Wiltshire.

The mere mention of ‘Kate and Wills’ in the throng of revelers on Windsor’s Long Walk caused a frenzy and sent people running towards a car that had stopped on the path to the king’s castle.

The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out to a swarm of enthusiastic supporters who pushed curious and excited children forward and rushed to capture the moment on their phones.

A day after the eyes of the world turned on them at the coronation of King Charles III, Prince William and his wife Kate made casual figures during their unannounced visit to the picnic.

The national spoke to the princess – and future queen – about how her children felt after taking part in their grandfather’s coronation ceremony.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis played central roles in this historic event, which was watched by millions around the world.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis attend the coronation – in pictures

Prince Louis yawns as he arrives at Westminster Abbey. AFP

The Princess of Wales reported on Sunday that they were in a good mood.

“They’re good, thank you very much,” she said The national. “They enjoyed yesterday.”

Nine-year-old Prince George, second in line to the throne, played a special role in the service as he acted as one of four pages of honor for the king.

Princess Charlotte, eight-year-old and Prince Louis five-year-old sat with their parents in the front row of Westminster Abbey to witness the crowing of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The young royals warmed the hearts of the spectators as they performed their duties with impressive poise.

Louis – known for his mischievous antics – joined his sister and the adults in the abbey to sing “God Save the King” as the ceremony ended.

The children then accompanied their parents in a carriage from the church to Buckingham Palace before appearing on the balcony.

The coronation of King Charles III: incredible images of a historic day – in pictures

King Charles III with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s Orb and Scepter leaves Westminster Abbey after the coronation on May 6. AFP

For her visit to the coronation celebrations in the grounds of Windsor Castle, Kate, 41, opted for a causal look. She paired a blue blazer over a white T-shirt with black wide-leg pants. Her trainers proved to be a wise choice for the muddy ground after heavy rain on Saturday.

Local residents and people who had come from far away for the festivities welcomed Wales’ decision to pay a surprise visit to the celebration. Many had hoped to attend the coronation concert, which was to start at 8 p.m., but had been unable to secure tickets. Instead, they opted for a free party that included a performance by a children’s choir, a live band and a Matilda theater production.

Six-year-old Anishka Dasgupta told The National about her experience chatting with Prince William and Kate.

“Princess William gave me a high-five and Princess Kate shook my hand,” said the young royal fan, dressed in a Union Jack dress. “He asked if we liked the concert and I said yes. It felt good to meet them.

“At school I learn about the royal family. We learned about the king and the coronation.”

In the streets of Windsor Town, the atmosphere was reminiscent of last year’s Platinum Anniversary celebrations and the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan.

But despite the city once again being the center of a major royal event, vendors reported lower-than-expected sales of souvenirs and merchandise.

David, who sells flags and plastic hats with the face of King Charles, told me The national sales were dismal compared to previous occasions.

“I sold a lot for the platinum anniversary and a decent amount for Harry and Meghan’s wedding. But this was by far the worst,” he said as crowds of revelers passed him on their way to the castle. “People just aren’t interested in Charles.”

He attributed the high attendance to “curiosity” rather than ardent support for the new monarch.

Updated: May 07, 2023, 4:48 PM