A horse in the coronation procession caused a commotion when it reared backwards into crowds, apparently spooked by something. The incident occurred just after the Gold State Coach, carrying the newly crowned King Charles and Queen Camilla, passed by. The procession was making its way from Whitehall into The Mall, in central London, en route to Buckingham Palace. One of the horses behind the carriage began walking backwards, before crashing into the barriers behind which crowds were lingering.
Members of the military quickly rushed to help, and a stretcher was brought to the scene but was not needed. However, a police officer appeared to limp away from the area and was assisted by her colleagues. Fortunately, there were no other injuries reported. The King and Queen waved from the carriage as the coronation procession began, signaling the start of a new era in the monarchy.
The coronation marked the official ascension of Charles III as the 40th monarch of the United Kingdom. At noon, the St Edward's Crown was placed on his head, symbolizing his new role as the head of the Church of England and the country's head of state. Despite the weather conditions, the Guard of Honour persisted, with the Coldstream guards standing stoically in their bearskin helmets, as rain poured down on them.
The Wales family, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, also participated in the procession, riding in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. They joined their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, in waving to the crowds through the carriage windows. While Princess Charlotte smiled at the onlookers, Prince Louis was seen making sad faces as he bid farewell.
This incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of working with live animals in public settings. Even well-trained animals can be easily spooked, which can lead to accidents and injuries. The safety of both the animals and the public should always be a top priority, and measures should be taken to minimize any potential risks.
The coronation of King Charles III marked an important moment in the history of the United Kingdom, but it was not without its moments of drama. The incident with the horse serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live animals and the importance of prioritizing safety in public settings. Despite the unexpected incident, the coronation was a success and a celebration of British history and tradition.