Royal wedding 2018 ‘RING OF STEEL’ AS THOUSANDS LINE ROUTE OF PROCESSION
M ORE than 100,000 wellwishers are estimated to have lined the royal wedding procession route as police effectively formed a ring of steel around Windsor Castle in the high-security operation.
Police marksmen and airportstyle scanners helped secure Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding yesterday, with the costs expected to run into millions.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead estimated “just over” 100,000 fans watched the procession along the route and British Transport Police (BTP) reported 20,000 passengers had streamed through the town’s stations by 9.40am.
Officers with sniper rifles were spotted on roofs around the town, in what was one of the largest public events handled by Thames Valley Police (TVP).
In a bid to ward off vehicles being used as weapons, as seen in the terrorist atrocities committed on London and Westminster bridges, metal barriers were installed around the Berkshire town. Armed officers, dog handlers and mounted police were on the ground while, in the air, drones were banned from flying over the estate and aircraft restricted from flying below 2,500ft.
While confetti was not banned TVP asked fans not to throw the “potential security risk” or other items throughout the day, particularly during the procession.
Along with the security scanners, visitors were warned not to leave belongings unattended and were told they could be subjected to inspections.
The operation was in progress months before the big day itself and police were manning barricades outside the castle with sniffer dogs performing checks on Friday.
The US actress was a big draw for American fans as well as Britons, and police correctly estimated ahead of the event the number of revellers who would join in the fes- tivities. Some well-wishers camped out overnight, while others began arriving from around 4am to secure prime viewing positions. And the party started early for some. Mother-of-four Rachael CarterEagleton popped open the Prosecco just after 8am.
“I’m just so happy for Harry,” said the Londoner, a regular at royal events.
“I can’t wait to see what Meghan’s wearing.”
Windsor locals Elizabeth Hughes, 19, Brooke Beldom, 13, and mum Laura, 40, along with Claudia Smith, 21, and mum Leigh, 48, were head to toe in red, white and blue.
Laura said: “We wouldn’t have missed it for the world – we’re here for the atmosphere.”
Farkahanda Ahmed, 35, her mother Shakeela Ahmed, 52, and Farah Muktar, 39, arrived at 4am to make sure they got a good view of the big day.
The group, from nearby Slough, donned matching Union flag hijabs and made their way to the parade route just after breaking their Ramadan fast.
Farkahanda, who works for her local council, said: “It’s a proud moment for us – times are changing.
“Who would have thought a Hollywood actress would become a British princess? We are proud to be British and we wanted to come here and show our support.
“We’ve met so many people – people from America, Scotland, and all over the place – and it’s just so nice for the community to get together.”
She added: “We are Muslims and we’re proud to be British and we wanted to come here and show the support from our community.”
Wales’ street parties: Pages 10&11