Page 82 - Bugle Autumn 2023

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PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
at the Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles Ill and Queen Camilla
Being one of four Warrant Officers selected to represent The Rifles at Westminster Abbey as Marshals for the Coronation of Their Majesties,
King Charles Ill and Queen Camilla was a great honour. It was a once-in- a-lifetime experience and one I will cherish forever. Only a short distance from Westminster Abbey at the then Strand Army recruiting office, is where my career in the Army started 22 years ago. I would have never dreamt of representing The Rifles on this historic day.
Joining as a Foreign and Commonwealth soldier from Guyana and following my dream of serving was my calling and I felt great pride and gratitude for the opportunity to serve my regiment this way. Throughout the day I was fortunate enough to have short conversations and gestures made
by Royal family members. As Princess Anne arrived, the world press caught her witty sense of humour and charming personality as we briefly engaged in
a short conversation. Additionally, the Queen acknowledged us when King Charles Ill and herself sat in the state coach after the coronation, gesturing her appreciation and pointing out the dimples in my smile as she waved. Prince Edward was also happy to see us as he leaned forward and waved when leaving the Abbey.
Overall, this experience filled
me with a great sense of pride and appreciation, which my family and friends are immensely proud of. There were messages from Guyana, Canada, the US, Australia, and Thailand expressing how happy they were to see me representing my regiment and my home country.
On hearing that I had been selected to represent the Regiment in support of Op Golden Orb I was excited to think I would have a small part to play in a momentous and historic occasion. After sorting our uniforms, we headed to London a week early to attend briefings and rehearsals, the atmosphere was a real buzz, and
it was mind blowing to see the various layers of involvement and organisation. Upon arrival we were unsure what our
role would be, only that we were there
at the request of the Queen Consort who insisted on seeing Riflemen at the occasion, something that went against normal protocol as the Household Division keenly reminded us. We finally were assigned roles, “to stand at the front of Westminster Abbey and look smart”. Okay, I thought
that should be easy and we will have an advantage of being dressed in RIFLES green amongst a sea of red.
As the day drew nearer and the optimism of a sunny day faded, it become clear that there would be a requirement for a wet weather plan, as a result we were promoted from stand still and look smart to escorting the Royals, world leaders and dignitaries in
It has been 70 years since the world witnessed a coronation. Luckily for me I was offered an opportunity to represent the Regiment during the coronation of Their Majesties, a truly once in a lifetime opportunity I couldn’t refuse.
We were based out of a hotel in Waterloo which was extremely convenient, not least because of the free breakfast.
The Rifles “umbrella force” / Westminster Abbey Ushers worked under the kind, supportive and helpful hands of Lt Col Light and Lt Col Levine MBE, both senior officers within the Household Division.
The week was just so surreal. We were positioned outside Westminster Abbey for the
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overnight rehearsals and were given a private tour around the Mews inside Buckingham Palace, managing to take photos in front of the Royal Household’s carriages including the Jubilee State Coach and the Gold State Coach (truly impressive).
Not surprisingly it rained on the day and the umbrella force was used to good effect, an amazing experience with tonnes of positive media for the individuals involved and the regiment.
Overall, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and an honour to take part and represent myself, my family, and The Rifles.
Luckily for me I was offered an opportunity to represent the Regiment during the coronation of Their Majesties,
a truly once in a lifetime opportunity I couldn’t refuse
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