All set for today: Royal fans have pitched tents hoping to get an unobstructed view of King Charles III as he passes by the Coronation Route. — AP
PETALING JAYA: Among the millions of people who will be going to the streets to celebrate the historic coronation of the British monarch King Charles III today are the thousands of Malaysians living and studying in the United Kingdom.
Fourth year medical student Ian Soh is adamant about not missing out on the coronation, which last took place almost 70 years ago when Queen Elizabeth II took the throne.
The 22-year-old has been attending some of the major royal events in the country, including last year’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration before the late monarch passed away.
Soh and Kwan, posing by a decorated post box.
“I am absolutely planning to join the crowd for the King’s procession. My younger self would never forgive me if I miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Years ago, I watched Prince William and Kate’s wedding on television with my family, and now that I’m studying in London, I won’t let this chance pass me by,” said Soh, who has been in Britain for eight years.
This year, he will be joined by his girlfriend Alicia Kwan to watch the regal ceremonial procession that will take place in London.
Yesterday, the couple travelled to the vicinity of Buckingham Palace in the city and found that many locals had already started “booking their spots” along the streets, which the royal couple will pass, by pitching camps and standing in queues.
“There are already people who have set up camps here,” he said.
Final year medical student Kwan, 24, flew in from Glasgow, Scotland, to find the preparations in full swing.
“I am really surprised. Having just arrived in London, I can say the preparations in Glasgow are nothing at all like that in London.
“I don’t see flags in Glasgow and the energy there is not as vibrant as that in London,” she said.
Housewife Nur Farahiyah Azib, 37, who is also in London, said her son’s school recently organised a “coronation lunch” to commemorate the event.
“Actually, I went to a few places in London to see the decorations as I missed the Jubilee celebration last year.
Nur Farahiyah standing in front of the Jalur Gemilang that was put up along The Mall in London.
“We will just be watching on television at home. This is my last year living in London so I am very happy to be able to join in the celebration. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me,” she said.
Hadif Ahmad Fadzil, who is studying for his Masters degree in London, feels that preparations for the coronation seem rather underwhelming compared to that for the Jubilee.
“Knowing how the royal family is a very important aspect of British culture, I’m surprised to see the preparations being somewhat underwhelming,” said Hadif, who has been in the country since 2017.
Another student, Sharifah Elira Shahabuddin, 23, said the past two years had been a very busy and challenging time for Britain.
Amarjeet says Malaysians and British nationals here are all set to celebrate the event.
“I was here when Prince Phillip passed away as well as for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her death, and now, the coronation of King Charles III.
“I feel quite lucky that I am around to watch this country come together to celebrate their national events.
“It’s very entertaining to see how different countries celebrate their national events. In a funny way, it makes me feel more patriotic towards Malaysia,” she said.
In Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian British Society (MBS) is organising a viewing party for Malaysians and British expatriates in the city.
MBS president Amarjeet Singh Ghai, 57, said the celebration would bring together Malaysians and British nationals living in Malaysia.
“It’s very historical for Malaysians and the British living here to witness such an event,” said the chartered accountant.
