King Charles Coronation: Members of the Royal Family bow during anthem

Diplomats, chief executives, chefs, artists and more proved the pomp and pageantry was not just contained to Westminster as Americans and expats gathered to cheer for the King.

Strings of miniature Union Jacks fluttered in the breeze outside the distinguished venue – the home of New York’s Philharmonic orchestra. 

Men and women, young and old, and everything in between, gathered from as early as 5am for a live breakfast screening of the Coronation ceremony, dressed in their finery to mark this moment in history.

The elegant event welcomed some 300 invited guests, including British Consul General Emma Wade-Smith, her deputy Hannah Young, British artist Shantell Martin and Soho restaurant owner Jess Shadbolt.

Ms Wade-Smith said: “The Coronation of King Charles marks a historic moment for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate this event with friends and partners across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Together we will reflect on the traditions of the monarchy as well as the monarch’s role today.

“Thank you for your friendship to the United Kingdom. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and friendship.” 

Hannah Young said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome you at the Lincoln Center at this exceptionally early hour to celebrate the King on his big day.”

A spokesperson for the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams – who couldn’t make the event because of an “emergency” – said: “We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder together. We are kindred spirits and Brits make our city better.”

Henry Timms, CEO of the Lincoln Center, said: “During Charles’ reign, it’s important that we bring people together from all different cultures as a part of one story. So, all of you could not be more welcome here at Lincoln Center today to celebrate his Coronation.”

Wherever they were from, whoever they were, they were all joined by one thing – their love for His Majesty.

It was a very British affair, with smartly dressed waiters floating around offering cups of tea, orange and grapefruit mimosas, warm and crumbly scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam, and of course, mini quiches – the King’s food of choice.

You could have heard a pin drop as the King was crowned. The room, which was decked out with plastic chairs and three huge screens showing the ceremony, was filled with a deep and true love for the British monarchy. 

The King himself even put in an appearance – in the form of a life-size cut-out that patrons posed alongside for selfies.

As with any big day, it didn’t run completely smoothly. Organisers told Express.co.uk there were a few glitches before the event began. At 4 am, staffers found out the goodie bags set to hold gifts from sponsors didn’t turn up.

But dutiful staffers were on hand to scour the city for replacement bags, in Coronation colours of red, white and blue. 

As well as a slight hiccup with the gift bags, the backdrop for those looking to have their photographs taken at the event, also didn’t show up.

However, a beautifully designed flower display erected near the entranceway made an excellent replacement. 

Before attendees headed home, or straight to The Churchill Tavern in the city, or to Central Park for St George’s Society’s Big Lunch Coronation Picnic, Katherine Jenkins treated everyone to a very special rendition of the National Anthem.

Everyone in the room stood to attention, with grins plastered across their faces, happy to be part of, in some small way, this regal affair. 

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