Today is a historic day for the United Kingdom, as Prince Charles ascends to the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The ceremony at Westminster Abbey will be attended by dignitaries and royals from around the world, and millions of people will watch it on television.
But not everyone is celebrating. For some, this day is a painful reminder of the loss of another royal figure, who was loved by many and who never got to wear the crown: Princess Diana.
Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, was the first wife of Prince Charles and the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry. She was known for her beauty, her charisma, her humanitarian work, and her rebellious spirit. She was also a victim of a troubled marriage, a hostile media, and a rigid monarchy.
Many people still admire Princess Diana for her courage, her compassion, and her legacy. They see her as the "real queen" of the people's hearts, and they refuse to accept Prince Charles as their king. They believe that he betrayed Diana with his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, who is now his wife and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Some of these admirers have gathered outside Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana used to live, to pay tribute to her memory and to protest against the coronation. They brought flowers, candles, banners, and pictures of Diana. They have also sung songs and chanted slogans in her honour.
One of them is Mary Smith, a 54-year-old nurse from London. She says she has been a fan of Princess Diana since she was a teenager, and she still feels a strong connection to her.
"I'm here today to show my respect and love for Diana, who was the real queen in my eyes," she says. "She was a wonderful person who cared for the poor, the sick, the children, and the animals. She was also a brave woman who stood up for herself and her sons against the establishment. She deserved to be happy and respected, but instead, she was treated badly by Charles and the royal family. I can't accept him as my king. He doesn't represent me or my values."
Another admirer is John Jones, a 45-year-old teacher from Manchester. He says he came to London with his wife and two daughters to join the tribute.
"I grew up watching Diana on TV and reading about her in magazines," he says. "She was an inspiration to me and to many people around the world. She had a warm personality and a genuine smile that touched everyone. She also had a sense of style and elegance that made her stand out. She was a modern princess who broke the mould and changed the monarchy for the better. I don't think anyone can replace her or match her legacy."
He adds that he is disappointed by Prince Charles' coronation and his choice of partner.
"I think it's a shame that he is becoming king after what he did to Diana," he says. "He cheated on her with Camilla, who I don't like at all. She is not fit to be queen or even princess. She is part of the reason why Diana suffered so much. I don't think they have any legitimacy or credibility as rulers."
He says he hopes that Prince William and Prince Harry will follow in their mother's footsteps and continue to make a positive difference in the world.
"They are Diana's sons and they have inherited her qualities," he says. "They are young, handsome, smart, and compassionate. They have also married lovely women who share their vision and values. I think they are the future of the monarchy and the country."
He says he wishes that one day they will become kings instead of Prince Charles.
"That would be a dream come true for me and for many people who love Diana," he says.
As the coronation ceremony begins at Westminster Abbey, Princess Diana's admirers hold hands and sing one of her favourite songs: "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John. They also release white balloons into the sky as a symbol of peace and hope.
They say they will never forget Princess Diana or stop honouring her memory.
"She is our queen forever," they say.