Early morning coronation rehearsals feature drumming soldiers and state coaches

Royal fans were treated to the first glimpse of the King’s coronation as early morning rehearsals took place.

Hundreds of uniformed soldiers paraded past Buckingham Palace towards Westminster Abbey just after 12.20am on Wednesday.

Eager campers got to test out what view they will have of the coronation festivities when the 260-year-old Gold State Coach carriage – which will transport the King and Queen on their return journey from Westminster Abbey – was pulled past the 15 tents that are already positioned along the Mall.

By the left… Quick march! Troops expertly got into formation as they rehearsed ahead of the main event on Saturday.

Under the glow of Big Ben, hundreds of soldiers from the military, navy and the RAF completed the procession route, briefly stopping in Whitehall and standing in silence.

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The silhouette of the Diamond Jubilee State Coach – which will take the King and Queen Consort to Westminster Abbey – was spotted being guided through the streets by large white horses.

Buckingham Palace was lit as members of the five regiments of Foot Guards – dressed in the traditional scarlet tunics and bearskin hats – lined up outside the gates.

The full grandeur of the event was realised as soldiers took to the Mall. Many carried a wide range of instruments, but only the drums were played by marching soldiers, who returned after 3am.