Brits issued urgent warning ahead of King Charles’ coronation

King Charles’ coronation is less than a month away and will be a grand affair. This will be the first coronation in 70 years and it is expected that many people will travel to London to celebrate the historic day.

Since so many people will be travelling on the same day, it is guaranteed that public transport will be crowded and delays may happen. As such, Transport For London (TFL) has issued an urgent warning to all those travelling for King Charles’ coronation.

King Charles will be crowned on May 6 alongside his wife, Queen Consort Camilla. Naturally, the big day will be televised live but watching it at home isn’t the same as witnessing history in person.

King Charles’ coronation the largest military operation in 70 years

Naturally, King Charles’ coronation is a big day, and any big day for the Royal Family involves lots of security, which for Prince Harry, who is attending, is very much needed.

As reported by Chronicle Live it is expected that 6,000 Armed Forces personnel will oversee the festivities as well as the 10,000 people attending the coronation concert on Sunday, May 7.

TFL has changed the schedule for multiple lines in order to accommodate the massive influx of people attending the historic day. However, King Charles' coronation public accommodations don't compare to the ones made for the late Queen's funeral.

TFL warns public to 'plan ahead'

Ahead of the upcoming frenzy of King Charles’ coronation, TFL has told the public to 'plan ahead' when travelling that day. Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said:

We expect central London to be very busy and the large-scale events will mean road closures in central London, so I’d advise people to check before they travel. I’d also encourage Londoners and those visiting to mark the celebrations to make the most of the public transport options, as there are no planned closures.

Those attending the coronation in person have been urged to not leave the festivities straight away as there will be extra trains running in the evenings to accommodate.

Read more ⋙ Prince Andrew: Scandalous documentary on royal to air on the same day as King Charles' coronation

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has also warned people not to arrive before 6am to avoid overcrowding:

You should be aware that large crowds are expected, and be prepared to queue to enter the viewing areas.

Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and ensure everyone can enter safely and securely. Capacity at the viewing areas will be limited and they will be closed when they are full. If you leave a viewing area at any time, readmission cannot be guaranteed.

Strike at Heathrow Airport

In addition, 1,400 Heathrow Airport security officers are due to go on strike for eight days in May, including the 6th. As a result, there will be 'inevitable disruption and delays' for people arriving to attend the King's coronation.

Unite the Union said the staff will walk out from 4 to 6 May, 9 to 10 May, and 25 to 27 May due to a pay dispute. The union's general secretary, Sharon Graham, warned that the strike may not be confined to May:

Yet again, we have a chief executive who thinks it is acceptable to boost his earnings while he denies his own workers a decent pay rise.

This dispute is bound to escalate with more workers being balloted and disruption set to continue throughout the summer.

A Heathrow spokesperson sought to reassure passengers, referring to the 10 day strike over Easter:

We kept Heathrow running smoothly during the first 10 days of Unite's failed industrial action, and passengers can have confidence that we will do so again this time.

We will not let Unite disrupt the flow of visitors to the UK during such an important period for the country.

Read more:

⋙ King Charles could be 'outranked' by guests during coronation as he breaks crucial royal tradition

⋙ Prince Harry: Royal experts reveal the real reason why he is attending King Charles’ coronation

Sources used:

Chronicle Live: 'Urgent warning issued ahead of King's Coronation as further details are released'

Sky News: ''Inevitable disruption' for King's coronation as 1,400 Heathrow staff strike for eight days in May'