RAF personnel put in last hours of practice before King's coronation

Royal Air Force personnel have been finishing their final parade rehearsals at RAF Halton ahead of King Charles III's coronation.

Almost 1,000 personnel will be representing the RAF at the coronation, including members of the King's Colour Squadron, regulars, reservists, and cadets, from across the UK.

Those taking part in the parade have been practising at Halton over the past week to get their drill and timings right for the event – the largest ceremonial operation that Great Britain has seen in the last 70 years.

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They will be part of the King's Procession as it travels from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace through the streets of central London after the ceremony.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, who visited personnel drilling at RAF Halton, said: "Not only are they representing themselves, representing the Royal Air Force in this parade, but they're also representing everyone who is serving today and who has served in the past.

"I tell them to take time and enjoy it as well because it's a moment they will never forget for the rest of their lives.

"We all signed an oath of allegiance to serve, and this is a visual representation of that, so deep heartfelt pride."

King Charles has a special relationship with the RAF as he started his military career at RAF Cranwell in 1971 and Camilla is Honorary Air Commodore for RAF Halton.