A week or so before our two-week trip to Monaco, France, Wales, and England, I had an epiphany. I had been so caught up in our overall trip planning and logistics that I had spaced on the broader landscape of events occurring in the areas where we were traveling.

I text my mom and said, ‘Umm, I think we’re going to be in London right before King Charles’ Coronation Day!’

After some actual research, I discovered that our one day to explore London was in fact the actual day of the Coronation. I threw my planning document out the window, looked up the Coronation events and timeline, and we decided to participate in as many of the activities as we could.

The morning of the Coronation ceremony we woke up early and rode the underground to Hyde Park. Our hotel was decked out in Coronation decor, and most people were dressed in red and blue or other celebratory regalia on the tube as we all disembarked and made our way toward the viewing areas.

From the time we exited the underground until we were in the park it was utter chaos. There were police everywhere and they had closed off most of the park entrances, herding everyone in at one end.

We joined the masses and slowly shuffled our way down the rainy sidewalk, passing a number of vendors selling themed merchandise, drinks and snacks, and more.

Things were a little better once we were inside the park where we were able to spread out.

Despite the poor weather, there was quite a turnout. We reviewed the information about where things were located throughout the park and then wandered around a couple of the big screens until we found a good viewing spot.

Along the way, Brian started collecting some of the free flags they were distributing. Despite the rain, he was able to preserve quite a few for my scrapbook and as small tokens for our family members!

I know Brian was less than thrilled with the overall experience, but I did enjoy watching the ceremony along with the masses. It was interesting hearing the reactions when people appeared on the screen – and there were quite the variety of reactions!

Some fellow tourists were there with their luggage, participating for as long as they could before continuing on with their travels.

The ladies standing in front of us were sipping homemade gin and tonics and growing progressively more animated as the ceremony went on.

Several people were handing out tracks saying that the Royal family – and Charles in particular – is the devil incarnate. Some also have on pins and stickers reading, “Not my king.”

There were also lots of people cheering and enjoying the festivities and this historic event. I literally got goosebumps following King Charles’ crowning when the crowd swelled up and returned the call and response, “God save the king.”

Following the ceremony, however, chaos ensued. Everyone – including us – was trying to make their way toward the parade route and Buckingham Palace, and security was blocking every possible path so people were climbing over things they shouldn’t and getting fairly rowdy. It didn’t help that the rain was picking up and the park was filling with deep puddles and extensive mud pits from the thousands upon thousands of people circling about trying to find an exit.

We made our way to an offshoot of the parade route and after a long wait were able to cheer on the musicians-on-horseback who were headed back to the stables. There was a lot of pushing and commotion – Brian almost had an altercation with a guy who was trying to get to the fencing despite all of us already standing along the route.

We left the crowd and walked north of the activities to try and circle around to the other side of Buckingham Palace. It was frustrating to continuously run into barricaded streets, but eventually we came to more open areas where we could temporarily enjoy all of the decor strung along the streets. We were also caught in a small crowd just as the flyover took place so we were able to pause, look up, and enjoy the colorful smoke trail the aircraft left in their wake.

We paused at a Sherlock Holmes-inspired pub to grab a bite to eat for a late lunch and then walked down to the Thames. This was Brian’s first time in London and I wanted him to see the river, parliament, and Big Ben before we called it a day.

Along the south bank I started feeling unwell – maybe too much excitement for one day! – but in any event it was definitely a signal to wrap up our wandering and catch the nearest underground back out to the airport and our hotel.

The day was absolute chaos, and we didn’t get to do any sightseeing in London, but it was certainly an experience being in the city for King Charles’ Coronation. I doubt I’ll soon forget being part of this historic event!