Love you Charlie

Surprise Mall walkabout thrills well-wishers. Last-minute preparations for historic ceremony

- RUSSELL MYERS and ANDY LINES

EXCITEMENT surrounding the Coronation reached fever pitch yesterday as the King joined royal fans outside Buckingham Palace.

Charles delighted the crowds with a surprise appearance alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales on the eve of today's historic occasion.

Even thunderstorms and heavy May showers could not dilute the buzzing atmosphere as the trio greeted hundreds of well-wishers.

With the nation preparing for a new era, His Majesty was all smiles as he made his way down one side of the colossal line in London. He laughed when cheers rang out of "God Save the King" and "We love you, Charlie".

Kate told those gathered how her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were all feeling ahead of playing their part in today's big event.

She said: "They're really well, thank you. Excited, a bit nervous, obviously, with a big day ahead. Can't wait.

When asked how she and William were feeling, Kate, 41, replied: "All good. Hopefully a bit like a swan, relatively calm on the outside and paddling on the inside." On Charles, she added: "I'm sure he's looking forward to it as well. It's nice to be out here saying 'hello' to everyone who has stayed out for so long.