A royalist so keen to get a good spot along the Coronation procession route discharged himself from hospital to get there early.

Few will have made a decision like Bartley Graham from County Durham who self-discharged on Wednesday (May 3) to make his way to London and bag a prime spot along the mall.

The 34-year-old joined dozens of campers with tents set up in front of the Palace in a bid to get a good view of the King’s procession on Saturday (May 6).

Read more: Royal-mad Aussies make 10k mile trip for Coronation and meet fellow monarchist Anita

Mr Graham, dressed in a Union Jack-covered suit and carrying a cardboard cut-out of Charles, said: “I should have been here earlier, but the hospital scenario made it impossible.

“I self-discharged this morning purely so I could be here.

“It’s important I’m here to get a good view of the procession, as I did for the Jubilee.

The Northern Echo: Bartley will spend the next few days keeping his prime spot on the Mall.Bartley will spend the next few days keeping his prime spot on the Mall. (Image: PA)

“I came out for Prince Phillip’s funeral even though there was a risk I might be fined at the time.

“I queued for 30 hours at Balmoral to see the Queen’s coffin a first time, and I queued 30 hours a second time at the Houses of Parliament.

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“Then I passed out and had a stroke, and all I could blame was exhaustion.

“If it happens again, I’m in the right place, London’s hospitals are the best in the country.

“I love being out here.”

Mr Graham said he believes Charles will be “a fantastic King”.

“I like King Charles, and I definitely like Lady Camilla,” he said.

“Charles will be a fantastic King and will do a great job, he has some really strong values, and I think Lady Camilla has fallen into the role very well.”

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Among those also headed down to London early for the Coronation is ‘Britain’s biggest monarchist’ Anita Atkinson, also from County Durham.

Anita, who has a museum at her home in Crook where she houses more than 12,000 pieces of royal memorabilia, made the trip to London on Saturday (April 29) to get a good spot.

She opens her museum of royal treasures, memorabilia, and artefacts to the public sometimes for visitors to enjoy after enjoying her colossal displays.