Former Grenadier Guard Reminisces Ahead of King Charles III’s Coronation
89-year-old Bulwell care home resident, Roy Blake, has been sharing his memories of serving in Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in honour of the upcoming anointment of King Charles III.
Roy, who lives at Fairway View care home, served for three years in the Grenadier Guards after turning eighteen in 1952.
After extensive training, Roy stood for hours in the iconic uniform and bearskin hat during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, lining the streets with his fellow guards in the pouring rain. Reminiscing about Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign, Roy said,
‘She was a great Queen, and an example to us all. She did this country proud for 70 years and saw us through some hard times, but we are all stronger for it.’
Roy is now looking forward to celebrating the coronation of King Charles III with the residents at Fairway View and the local community. Roy joked, ‘I’m not impressed that I haven’t received my invitation from the King yet!’
He continued,
‘I think coronations remind people of our country’s history, and what we’ve built on. I’m looking forward to watching the coronation in the cinema room at Fairway View, although it doesn’t seem long since the Queen’s coronation to me. I was a young man then, but at least this time I will be dry and warm!’
‘I think King Charles III will be a good monarch, though he does have big shoes to fill.’
Sarah Barnes, the Home Manager at Fairway View, said,
‘Hearing the amazing memories that Roy and our other residents have of the last coronation is simply incredible – we want to make King Charles III’s coronation just as special for them.
‘On Thursday 4th May at 11:00, we’ll be throwing our King’s Coronation Party for our residents, their families, and anyone in the community who wants to join us. All are welcome, so please get in touch if you would like to attend.’
To book a place at the King’s Coronation Party at Fairway View or to find out more, please call the home on 0115 975 8771 or email fairway.view@idealcarehomes.co.uk.
Fairway View is a residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 41 ensuite bedrooms, attractive décor and freely accessible gardens, Fairway View is proud to be rated as OUTSTANDING by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).