EN ROUTE TO THE ABBEY: DESTINY AWAITS

KING CHARLES AND QUEEN CAMILLA GET THEIR FIRST GLIMPSE OF ROYAL WELL-WISHERS AS THEY TRAVEL TO WESTMINSTER ABBEY AHEAD OF THE CORONATION

- MICHELLE GARNETT AND EMMA JONES

It was always going to be a day rooted in symbolism and tradition but from the outset King Charles was determined to present a modern monarchy - slimmed down, pared back and less showy than previous generations, while retaining an element of the grandeur that captivated the world at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II last September.

Their Majesties departed Buckingham Palace through the Centre Gate in the striking black and gold Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Built to commemorate Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the coach was designed with comfort in mind, boasting cushioned seats, an aluminium body, shock absorbers, electric windows and even air conditioning. The gilded crown on the top of the coach, carved from oak that came from HMS Victory, concealed a hidden "coachcam" to film the journey.

The coach interior is inlaid with wood from historic sites including Balmoral Castle, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, St Paul's Cathedral, Sir Isaac Newton's apple tree and St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. It's also adorned with primrose-yellow silk and a fragment of a dress worn by Florence Nightingale. For added sparkle, the door handles are embellished with 24 diamonds and 130 sapphires, while the four coach lamps are made of Edinburgh Crystal.