A reminder that we’re still world class at some things

The weather may have been wet, but that did not dampen the spirits of the crowds who lined the streets of London for a glimpse of the new King.

Nor the spirits of UK residents up and down the country, including here in Portsmouth and surrounding areas. Just look at the pictures on pages 6 and 37 of today’s paper – people were still smiling, despite the rain.

Up in the capital, some had grabbed their spots along the 1.42 mile processional route between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace in the early hours Saturday morning – wanting a front-row seat when the newly-crowned monarch appeared.

Adorned in patriotic clothing, headwear and waving Union flags, many had prepared for the adverse weather.

During the long wait for the first procession, there were renditions of God Save The King and pop classic Sweet Caroline, while some of the 10,000-strong crowd poured champagne.

At Trafalgar Square, there were spontaneous cheers and applause as a portable toilet on the back of a flatbed truck made its way down the street towards Westminster, while along The Mall chants of “you’re not singing over there” were heard and some started a Mexican wave.

Us Brits are good at things like that. World class, in fact. And we’re very good at the pomp and ceremony which surrounds such an occasion as the coronation of a monarch. Again, let’s be honest, we’re world champions in that respect. No-one does pomp and ceremony like we do.

Even if you’re not a Royalist, you couldn’t have failed to be impressed by the processions

And a very big well done to our city MP Penny Mordaunt, who played a bigger role than many could have expected. She did Portsmouth proud.