To celebrate the forthcoming Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is delighted to release a special-edition podcast featuring guests from the British Army, broadcasting and journalism, and Army veterans who remember the 1953 Coronation of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Host Harry Bucknall talks to Major General Chris Ghika, who is responsible for the delivery of the major military ceremonial taking place on Saturday; Major General Alastair Bruce (Governor of Edinburgh Castle and Sky News broadcaster); distinguished journalists Kate Adie and Peter Snow; royal biographer Robert Hardman; and royal photographer Arthur Edwards. Harry also hears from residents in veterans’ care homes, which we proudly fund, who vividly remember Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II being crowned in 1953.
Our guests share their thoughts about the long history and meaning of the Coronation ceremony, personal anecdotes about working with King Charles during his time as the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, and Coronation ceremonial planning.
On the ceremonial preparations, Major General Chris Ghika, General Officer Commanding the Household Division, praises the military discipline and close teamwork involving thousands of Armed Forces personnel from across all three services. He says:
“I feel very privileged to be part of a coronation of a British monarch. It doesn’t come around often. There’s a determination to do the very best we can and lay on a really great display: first of all for the King and Queen but also for the broader services and for the British nation.”
Our charity is grateful to all our guests who kindly gave their time to share their Coronation thoughts and memories.
