Surprise sympathy operation of the royals, this morning in the stations of the sprawling and crowded London underground, the popular 'tube': where crowds of travelers were able to listen to a message recorded directly by King Charles III - also in the name of Queen Camilla - instead of that of the usual impersonal voice called to give indications and recommendations for caution.
A gimmick evidently conceived to try to give oxygen to the popularity of Elizabeth II's eldest son and to give a more handy image of the monarchy among ordinary people, on the eve of the solemn coronation ceremony of Charles and Camilla expected tomorrow in the Westminster Abbey.
"My wife and I - reads the message, in the unmistakable accent of the sovereign's voice - wish you and your families a wonderful Coronation Weekend. Wherever you are going, we hope you can have a safe and pleasant journey".
Hence, the ritual warning of each tube stop: "And remember, please... mind the gap", an expression that has by now become proverbial to signal the danger of stumbling, which can be translated as "eye to space" (between the train and the quay).
The impromptu was greeted by smiles and motions of approval on various carriages, according to occasional testimonies gathered here or there.
And it follows by one day the similar PR initiative entrusted yesterday to Prince William, heir to the throne, protagonist in first person with his wife Kate (and discreet escort in tow) of a journey on the London underground from Acton station to of Tottenham Court Road.
As well as a visit to a pub full of people, on the occasion of a social campaign to support those who work in the hospitality sector.
ANSA. it
Towards the throne, the challenge of Charles, to win back the young - Specials
A survey confirms the trend and casts doubts on the coronation of the king © ANSA
