The Household Cavalry Mounted Band and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will lead the procession, followed by 400 service personnel from the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth, who will be flanked by 114 Guardsmen of the Household Division carrying Realm and Commonwealth flags.

Another Commonwealth nation taking part in the ceremonial proceedings is the Maldives, whose personnel have just about adjusted to the British weather.

“It is cold for us, we aren’t used to this climate,” Major Ahmed Mohammed, of the Maldives National Defence Force, said.

He described the overnight rehearsal earlier this week as being particularly “difficult” because of the cold. However, even with the Met Office forecasting rain this weekend, his regiment are determined to enjoy themselves in the historic event.

Major Mohammed, 38, said: “We are really honoured to be taking part in this ceremony and feel proud to represent the Maldives in this momentous occasion.”