BEHIND THE SCENES: In the press tent at the King’s Coronation

Our reporter Megan O'Neill was lucky enough to get a ring-side seat to see history happen in front of her eyes. 

Megan secured a spot in the press stand on Queen Victoria Memorial, opposite Buckingham Palace, and was among the first to photograph the newly-crowned King and Queen.

Here is a behind-the-scenes insight into what it was like in the press area on such a memorable day in British history.

I set off early this morning (May 6) and was on a train to London Paddington at 7am. I was expecting the trains to be packed but was surprised at how empty they were – I since found out that this is because the Mall stopped people from entering at 7am, so everyone was already in the capital.

After a short trip on the London underground, I made it to Green Park.

I made my way to the media area and was greeted with rows of white tents filled with live broadcasters from national news publications from across the world.

I didn’t know where I was going and felt very out of place with national broadcasters, but a lovely police officer informed me I was in the wrong place and that I was meant to be in the press stand on the Queen Victoria Memorial roundabout – the best spot in the house!

I was escorted across the Mall as it had already been closed to public crossing, but I made it to right press stand.

The QVM press stand was a wooden structure with six tiered rows, each lined with photographers and reporters. I was filled with instant fear that I wouldn’t be able to live up to the quality of the professional equipment that was next to me.

I was amazed at how incredible my position was, right in the centre of Buckingham Palace.

We had our back to the crowds on the Mall. To the right of us was the white tents with national broadcasters and to left was the stand of invited guests.

Unfortunately because we had our back to the crowds, we couldn't see the crowds along the Mall - but we could certainly hear them!

We could hear roaring and cheering as the celebrations continued across London.

It was a challenge trying to keep all the cameras and laptops dry from the rain. The press stand was filling with puddles of rain as reporters and photographers got out their umbrellas and ponchos, but we didn’t let this ruin the excitement.

The poor weather added to the experience – it wouldn’t be a British event without a bit of rain!

Everyone was now eagerly waiting for the procession to get started. We could hear cheering and bands playing in the distance but couldn’t see much yet.

We heard via national news broadcasters that protesters had been arrested for causing havoc in Trafalgar Square, but we didn't hear any of that. We were fortunate enough to hear the positivity and celebrations.

At around 9.15am, the press stand came alive with people shouting “he’s coming. The King is coming” as everyone scrambled to get their cameras set up for the first glimpse of the royal couple.

The King and Queen arrived at Buckingham Palace after leaving Clarence House.

We knew that it was nearly time to get into position for the beginning of the procession.

Despite the rain everyone was still in high spirits, ready to get the perfect shots.

Then it was time for the procession. From our position in front of Buckingham Palace, we could see through the windows of the Palace. It felt like a behind the scenes exclusive as we could see the King and Queen getting into the carriage, ready to go.

The procession was incredible. From the moment the military and guards came out to line the front of Palace, the photographers and reporters were snapping away.

I feel like I couldn’t watch the procession as a spectator because I was too busy looking through the lens of a camera. It was definitely worth though as I managed to get a great shot of the King looking out the window of the carriage – A photo that I will always be proud of.

Before attending the coronation, I worried I wouldn’t get good photos as everything moves so quickly so I was relieved when I succeeded. I could sense that other reporters on the stand also felt relief that the first procession had gone well.

Now came the two hour wait while the service was taking place at Westminster Abbey. This gave everyone a chance to upload articles, look at photos and have a lunch break.

It was raining really heavily by now so I was writing an article, sitting in a puddle – very glamorous!

At 12pm the gun saluted to signal that the King had been crowned. We were not expecting this so were shocked when the press stand shook.

We were streaming the service on our phones as we were keen to see the action, and see the rest of the royals that we hadn't seen yet. Everyone was commenting on Kate Middleton's outfit - stunning!

At around 1.15pm, we knew the King and Queen were on their way back to Buckingham Palace as the crowds got louder and closer. It gave us plenty of warning to get the cameras ready.

I have never seen so many military personnel as I did in the procession today. It was quite spectacular. 

My favourite part was seeing the military personnel from Commonwealth countries in their native uniforms. It felt like a great way to bring the world together.

If I could describe the press stand in one word it would be 'focused'. Everyone was very focused, trying to get the perfect photos.

After the military and horses had gone passed, we were ready for the Royal Family to arrive. 

I think, like most people, everyone in the press tent was impressed how grand the Golden State Carriage was. It was like nothing I have ever seen before. 

This was also the first time we had seen the King and Queen with their crowns, as we missed most of the service.

It was also the first time we had seen the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the rest of the working royals. 

After getting some close up shots of the family, I made an effort to put my camera down to live in the moment. I was keen to make the most of the once in a lifetime experience by taking it all in, not through the camera.

While the procession coverage had been a success so far, I knew that the balcony appearance was coming and I wanted to get a good photo. 

All of a sudden the gates were opened and thousands of people piled towards the front of Buckingham Palace. 

The atmosphere instantly lifted and everyone (or at least me) in the press stand forgot it was raining.

The cheering from the crowds was incredible, I could tell that everyone was excited to celebrate. The sea of red, white and blue infront of the Palace was quite special to witness.

Then the balcony doors opened as crowds saw the King and Queen, and the crowds erupted with cheering and clapping. The crowds started shouting 'hip hip hooray' in unison as the rest of the working royals made their way onto the balcony.

The press stand was back to being very focused. There was very little talking as the sound of cameras snapping away took over. 

Now was the chance to get the photo that everyone had been waiting for and I couldn't believe that I was there, amongst professional photographers.

The crowds were now singing God Save the King which was another incredible moment to witness. At this point I put my camera down again to take in the moment.

We were told early on that the fly past might not happen due to poor weather so we were excited to hear that the Red Arrows were making their appearance. 

Although the fly past was shorter than originally planned, it was still impressive. I always love seeing the Red Arrows.

My journey home was much busier than my journey to London as thousands piled out of Green Park to the nearest underground stations. That being said, everyone was still in high spirits, recalling moments of the day with friends and family.

Overall, it is a day I will never forget and I am looking forward to going through all my photos and videos of the day, to really take it all in without the pressure of getting good content.

The day is not what I expected, but as I had never experienced a coronation before, I was not sure what to expect. It was a busy day and I am incredibly proud of myself for being accepted onto the press stand as such as historic event.

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I never expected as someone so new to my role as a journalist.