The atmosphere outside Buckingham Palace resembles nothing so much as back-stage at Glastonbury. Hoardings cover the palace, crowds are tightly controlled at crossing points up and down The Mall, a tide of curious onlookers washes up and security staff and police in high-vis clothing stand at the edges.

“Keep moving! Don’t stop for a selfie! Keep moving!” bellows a woman staffing the crossing point nearest Buckingham Palace. Blacked-out police cars zoom down The Mall, watched by onlookers who are hoping the King might be inside one, taking a view of proceedings.

On the southern side of The Mall, a row of tents has been growing longer since the start of the week. Festooned in Union flags and bombilating with excitement, the genial crowd comprises people from all corners of the UK, swapping snacks and sharing stories about times they met the Royal family.

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