TO BE honest, my knowledge of the royals wasn’t that vast when I started working at YOU seven years ago.
I knew Queen Elizabeth because my mother adored her and spoke about her and how her son Charles was going to be king one day.
But if you’d told me I’d be in London to share in the excitement of the coronation of King Charles III along with people from across the UK and beyond, I’d never have believed you.
I’ve learnt a lot about the British royal family during my time at YOU – reporting about The Firm is part of our DNA, after all – so when my editor asked if I wanted to go to London to cover the coronation I leapt at the chance.
And now, here I am on the streets of Westminster on 6 May, soaking it all in – and getting physically soaked too.
I left my hotel at the crack of dawn, hopped on the tube and made my way into central London hoping to find a good spot along the processional route.
The train was packed with people wearing crowns and T-shirts of Charles and I panicked a bit when I heard some talking about officials closing off The Mall – the long strip of road leading to Buckingham Palace – because it had already reached capacity. Would I make it? And if not, where would I go to watch the procession?
I should’ve known The Mall would become clogged with people. The day before, I took a stroll down that road and barricades were already up to keep people moving in one direction.
Several big screens had been erected so crowds could watch the proceedings in Westminster Abbey and royal fans had been camping out on the pavements for days to ensure they had the best seats in the house.
This story is from the 18 May 2023 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 18 May 2023 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!
Kourtney Kardashian and other celebs are honouring the glory of new moms' postpartum bodies
LEON'S ORDEAL IS NO JOKE
Pain has dominated entertainer Leon Schuster's life after a serious back injury landed him in bed. But despite being depressed he remains hopeful he will recover so he can get back to work
'BREAK THE SILENCE'
That's the message of the Scottish comedian who turned his experience of stalking and sexual abuse into a hit Netflix show
A PLACE OF HOPE AND HEALING
Damaged people and abused dogs find a safe haven and a chance to start again at this farm in the Cape Winelands
FROM SPERM DONOR TO DAD OF 37
Peter Ellenstein's life took an unexpected turn when a message from a daughter he never knew he had led to him meeting dozens of his children and exploring what it means to be a father without ever having raised them
GRATEFUL FOR EVERY BREATH
A double lung transplant has given this chef a second chance at life - and he'll never forget the young man who made it possible
THE GAMES ARE GO!
Preparations are well under way in the City of Lights for the world's greatest sporting spectacle
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
We break down what the new rules are and what to expect for the seventh national elections later this month
TOM'S A TOP GIFTER
He's known to go ALL OUT for his movies and stunts, so it's no surprise TOM CRUISE also PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS for his friends when it comes to GIFTS
TAMING THE BEAST
Recognising and managing your anger can make for a happier and healthier you