King's coronation flypast could be cancelled due to bad weather, RAF chief says

A planned tri-service flypast over Buckingham Palace for the King's coronation may be reduced in size or called off if "unsafe" because of poor weather, the head of the RAF has said.

Aircraft and aircrew representing the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force have been rehearsing for the momentous occasion on Saturday when cloudy and wet conditions have been forecasted for London.

Speaking to Forces News about the rehearsals and flypast, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said: "The flypast rehearsals have been superb, and we have got an amazing air spectacle – helicopters, training aircraft, transport aircraft, fighters and the Red Arrows.

• Armed Forces take to the skies in rehearsals for Coronation Day flypast over London
• King Charles III's coronation: Why do we have gun salutes?
• Union Jack: Do you know the correct way up?

"The bits that I have some concerns about at the moment is the weather forecast, which may mean that we have to make a weather call about the size of the flypast and which actual aircraft come through and we'll make that within an hour or two before the flypast.

"The weather is not looking great for Saturday afternoon. But safety is paramount, and we will do everything we can to be there, but I recognise that I can't change the weather."

He added: "If it is low cloud and heavy rain, there is nothing we can do and it would be unsafe to attempt to."  

About 7,000 military personnel will be taking part in the coronation.