Britain grinds to a halt for the Coronation: Roads empty of traffic and shopping centres are almost deserted as millions stay home to watch King Charles’ day of destiny
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High streets, shopping centre and motorways are deserted today as millions of Britons sat at home to watch the Coronation of King Charles and prepare for an afternoon of celebrations.
Whether they are enjoying a street party, joining the crowds in central London or watching live streams from the sofa, royal fans are celebrating the historic moment – leaving the UK’s towns empty.
Roads are pictured with only a handful of cars and London’s streets are bare as many are set to make the most of the King’s day of destiny.
Bluewater, a large shopping centre just south of London, was near empty today, with the public opting for a day of Coronation celebrations instead of shopping.
Pictures show the centre with just a few shoppers, who no doubt enjoyed a queue-free shopping trip.
It comes as the world watched King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla leaving Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach as the historic first Coronation in 70 years began today.
Roads like the M587 motorway in Liverpool were pictured deserted this morning
Bluewater Shopping Centre can be seen near empty as Brits celebrate the King’s Coronation today
London’s streets were also empty – while on others hoards of people gather for the Coronation procession
The national anthem played and crowds shouted God Save the King as he started on his 1.3mile journey to Westminster Abbey through streets lined with 2million people and 7,000 British troops. 100million people are watching on TV around the world.
Many royal fans from the UK and abroad took to London’s pubs to get in early pints as they settled in to watch the historic service, which began at 11am at Westminster Abbey.
Many have spent thousands to get a glimpse of the atmosphere as the country watches the first coronation of a monarch in 70 years.
Meanwhile millions poured into the Mall early this morning to get the best possible view of the historic Coronation procession, securing their spots along the route, on the VIP grandstand or in front of big screens.
Wave upon wave of spectators attempted to secure a spot to watch the procession from Buckingham Palace.
Some sprinted to try and bag a spot at the front of the metal barriers others opted to use Hyde Park’s big screens to view King Charles and Camilla as they journey in the Diamond Jubilee coach to Westminster Abbey.
The shopping centre in Kent would normally be busy on a Saturday morning – but most shoppers are out enjoying the big day
Union Jack flags decorate the centre, where only a handful of shoppers are spending the day
A view of a very empty M25 overpass heading to the Dartford crossing in Kent
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