A man who was arrested outside Buckingham Palace days before King Charles III’s coronation had reportedly been ranting: “I’m going to kill the King.”
The individual in question was taken into police custody at about 7pm on Tuesday night, local time, after throwing various items from a bag outside the gates of the palace.
The Metropolitan Police said a knife was found on him. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.
After the suspect was led away, police conducted a controlled explosion.
“Specialists attended and, following an assessment, a controlled explosion was conducted as a precaution,” the Met said in a statement.
“Officers worked immediately to detain the man and he has been taken into police custody. There have been no reports of any shots fired, or any injuries.
“Further enquiries are ongoing.”
Some enthusiastic Brits were already camping outside the palace ahead of Saturday’s coronation, so witnesses saw what happened.
“He was in his thirties. He’s been here the last few nights shouting, ‘I’m going to kill the King!’” one such bystander told The Sun.
“As soon as he placed the bag on the ground the police jumped on him. They were shouting at him, ‘Get down on the floor!’
“How was he allowed to get so close to the palace with the coronation almost upon us?”
A neighbour of the suspect told the newspaper they’d seen him walking his dogs and “wouldn’t have a bad word to say about him”.
“If he’s gone there with intent, that’s really shocking,” said the neighbour.
The arrested man has been identified as David Huber, 60, a dog breeder who lives in the northwestern English county Cumbria.
Royals pictured as preparations continue
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla were not in the palace at the time of the incident, though it’s believed they had been inside shortly beforehand.
The royal couple were photographed arriving at Westminster Abby for coronation rehearsals on Wednesday morning, accompanied by Prince William, his wife Kate and children George and Charlotte.
Security for the coronation is believed to be costing about $280 million. Thousands of police officers will be deployed on the day, as will drones and snipers.
While Brits will obviously line the streets, millions of people across the world are expected to watch the event live online and on television.
In Australia, those keen on royal tradition can view two specials back-to-back on Friday, with Sky News airing The Royal Report: Coronation Special at 8pm AEST followed by the new documentary Born To Be King at 9pm. The latter features unique archival footage revealing the life loves, and passions of the King.
On Saturday, Sky News host Peter Stefanovic will start the network’s live coverage from 4pm AEST, from Westminster Abbey, as distinguished guests, international royal families and the British royals start arriving for the ceremony.
Then it will be the Sky News UK team, including royal events commentator Alastair Bruce, whose unrivalled knowledge of the event will guide viewers through the historic ceremonial proceedings.
On Sunday, May 7, Sky News will have an encore of the ceremony at midday and will produce a special edition of The Royal Report that focuses on a wrap up of the weekend’s event.
Sky News Australia’s coronation coverage will be available to stream on SkyNews.com.au and to listen to on Sky News Radio, available on iHeartRadio.
The coronation service itself is expected to begin at 8pm (11am London time).