Ely photographer Angela Smith reflects on her family's overnight stay in London for the King's Coronation  

"We headed to London at 5am on Friday to get a good spot along the Mall. Spaces were filling up quickly on the newly-opened Green Park side of the mall so we got a good spot at the barrier.

"Within a couple of hours the spaces behind us were nearly all gone. Although the day itself is something to behold, camping out is an experience in itself.

"Meeting people, hearing their stories, sharing snacks late into the night. We were photographed and interviewed a few times, too, by various papers and met Mark Wright from Towie/Heart radio.

"You can't soak up the same atmosphere at home on the TV. It's like nothing else you'll ever experience.

Ely Standard: Angela Smith caught a glimpse of King Charles in his golden carriageAngela Smith caught a glimpse of King Charles in his golden carriage (Image: Steve Smith)

"Although I may see another coronation in my life time, each one will be different. I think it's important for our younger generations to be a small part of history.

"We've had a hard few years with the Covid-19 pandemic and if there's a chance to go out, meet new people and have a good time celebrating, then let's do that. Life is for living!

"I love the pomp and pageantry of it all, the history and the traditions. Like the Americans sat next to me said, you Brits do it like no-one else! 

"Torrential rain and hardly any sleep didn't dampen our spirits, either. The crowds kept morale up and 8am celebratory Prosecco certainly helped too. 

Ely Standard: Angela Smith caught a glimpse of the Royal familyAngela Smith caught a glimpse of the Royal family (Image: Angela Smith)

"On Friday we saw William and Kate heading in their cars to rehearsals at the Abbey, along with King Charles and Camilla. They came out for a walk about but didn't get down quite as far as where we were on the Mall. 

"On the day of the Coronation, the crowds roared as carriages containing Prince Edward, Sophie and children, William, Kate and Children, and of course the newly crowned King and Queen all passed by." 

Ely Standard: Angela Smith ready to see the Royal familyAngela Smith ready to see the Royal family (Image: Steve Smith)

Ely Standard: Angela Smith even managed to get a selfie with Heart Radio presenter Mark Wright.Angela Smith even managed to get a selfie with Heart Radio presenter Mark Wright. (Image: Angela Smith)