Geoffrey York

The heavens opened up over London today, just a day before King Charles' historic Coronation, and royal superfans were soaked by torrential downpours. Despite heavy rain, spirits remained high as fans flocked to the Mall to celebrate the magnificent procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey tomorrow, where Charles will officially be crowned King. Trisha Hollis, a soaking but smiling Trisha Hollis, said: 'It's history, and I'm convinced it's a once-in-a-lifetime gift at my age.' I believe I was two years old when the Queen was crowned, but I have no memory of it. I admire the royal family, and I'm glad we have them. I think the Queen did a sterling job.' 'What will be's it will be,' she explained.' I'm going to be home for 24 hours. I'll be dry and hot again someday, so I'll grin and bear it. I would not be saying it with such a smile if you came back to me at 2 a.m. We'll have a nice day tomorrow, perhaps, but in '53, the Queen did not get any rain.'

A sea of tents dubbed "King Charles' Camp" has appeared on the road leading from Buckingham Palace over the past few days, and with less than 48 hours to go, the royalists (left) are already getting into the spirit of the festivities, with gin, champagne, and whiskey. The first Coronation parade has been attended by patriot campers (top right), who many of whom also stayed out for the Queen's funeral in September, are set to attend the first Coronation procession for the first time in 70 years. Elsewhere houses, streets, and schools have been decked out in red, white, and blue as they prepare to welcome the new King, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to arrive in the capital before Saturday.

Patriotic campers swath of Union Flags and stocked up with tinned all-day breakfasts, booze, and bunting on Saturday, with many of whom also attended the Queen's funeral in September last year. Away from The Mall, houses, streets, and schools have been decked out in red, white, and blue as they prepare to welcome the new King, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to arrive in the capital before Saturday. Royal fans from around the world have descended on London, with some sleeping on The Mall since the start of the week to secure a prime position. MailOnline has met people from all around the United Kingdom and around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Commonwealth countries on the route to Buckingham Palace today.