LONDON (AP) King Charles III surprised cheering fans who started gathering outside Buckingham Palace on Friday, a day ahead of his coronation , as final touches were made in preparation for an occasion that London hasnt celebrated in 70 years .

People in the crowd screamed his name as Charles stepped from a chauffeur-driven Bentley wearing a blue suit. One person could be heard yelling God save the king as the British monarch approached the throng lined up behind a barricade.

Charles thanked the well-wishers for coming, shaking hands as he slowly moved along the line.

Theresa Iredale, wearing a plastic crown, said she trembled when the king approached her after she screamed his name.

I saw his hand coming out to mine and I was like, I cant believe Im shaking the kings hand, she said.