Royal Family
Prince William and Kate Middleton join Jill Biden at coronation eve reception
Festivities are ramping up as we are just a day away from King Charles’ coronation.
King Charles’ historic coronation ceremony takes place on Saturday, but Kate Middleton and Prince William are already celebrating the occasion.
The duo were joined by foreign royals and global leaders on Friday for a special reception held at Buckingham Palace for King Charles ahead of the coronation.
After welcoming the distinguished guests at a palace lunch and participating in a surprise walkabout in London earlier in the day, Kate and William also hosted the coronation reception for those coming from overseas.
According to the Daily Mail, Kate was relaxed and shared jokes with guests. She was spotted talking to the Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, as well as the US First Lady Jill Biden.
As for King Charles, he was spotted speaking with the First Lady of Ukraine, President Zelensky’s wife Olena Zelenska, while her husband remains at home leading efforts against Russia’s invasion.
Close to 100 heads of state are expected to be in London for the coronation, along with representatives from 203 countries from around the world.
Other European royals in attendance included Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.
What happens if it rains at the coronation?
One question mark hanging over the festivities is whether it will rain.
According to the Meteorological Office of London, rain is in the forecast, though temperatures are expected to be mild.
“The weather across the U.K. looks unsettled today, with showers or longer spells of rain for many,” the broadcast said. “Some heavy, thundery downpours are expected on Friday and Sunday.
“[Saturday is] forecast to be another cloudy, wet day for many,” the weather service added.
It wouldn’t be the first time the weather has acted up on the day of a coronation.
Back in June 1953, there was rain on Queen Elizabeth’s coronation day. There was even more rain at her father’s coronation, when close to half an inch of rain fell at King George VI’s crowning in May 1937.
As for King Charles’ great-grandfather, King George V, his ceremony took place under sunny skies back in June 1911.