While many of us will be witnessing the pomp and ceremony of a coronation for the first time, it will bring back fond memories for those who saw the last one.
They’ve seen a lot change since the Queen’s reign began too, from the invention of the internet to the introduction of the contraceptive pill, not to mention 17 different UK Prime Ministers and a global pandemic.
Such a wealth of experience gives the older generation a unique perspective on the world, from how to navigate tough times to what’s really important in life.
So ahead of the coronation, we asked residents at Lottie care homes for their input.
Aged between 70 and 100, they’ve shared their royal recollections and advice for the new monarch.
Mavis, 100, Anisha Grange Care Home, Billericay
Mavis remembers that everyone was buying televisions so that they could watch Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. She lived in a flat at the time and her parents didn’t own a TV, so they came over to watch it at her house.
She used to belong to the Junior Red Cross, and when they were invited to London to see the Queen, the group all waved.
When it comes to this coronation, Mavis advises: ‘Make a grand do of it, if I was younger I would go to London. We are England and we have a new King, so we have to show off.’
Edith, 100, Regency House Care Home, Cardiff
Coronation of King Charles III latest
The historic Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place in Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
For all the latest royal updates, visit Metro.co.uk’s dedicated coronation page.
Edith was very pleased with her 100th birthday card from the King this year and is ‘looking forward to the next one.’
She was once invited to Buckingham Palace for her heroic efforts during WWII. While working as a librarian, Edith stopped Canton Library from burning down when it was hit by a bomb one night.
Alongside the caretaker, she acted fast by pumping water in an attempt to extinguish the fire. Together, they managed to put the bomb out and save the library.
Caroline, 70, Boynes Care Home, Upton-upon-Severn
When she was younger, Caroline performed at the London Palladium for the royals, and thinks King Charles is a great role model for her grandchildren.
Her advice to the King is: ‘Always be happy in your responsibility for your country’.
John, 85, Willow Bank House Care Home, Pershore
John says his greatest achievement in life was his career: he was a doctor of computer chemistry and later in life went on to specialise in exercise and infection.
His advice to the King (which is certainly applicable to us all) is: ‘Don’t listen to your parents and do what you enjoy!’
Dorothy, 87, Willow Bank House Care Home, Pershore
Another resident at Willow Bank House, Dorothy was 18 when the Queen was crowned in 1953. She remembers her father buying a small black and white TV, which meant her family and neighbours could all watch the coronation together.
As for her advice, she says people should ‘live life with no regrets.’
Hear hear.
Care home residents’ advice
More residents at Lottie homes shared the guidance they’d offer King Charles:
‘Be kind and be fair’, says Barbara, 90.
Beryl, 93, hopes the monarch will ‘remember to look after everyone,’ during his reign.
Meanwhile, 87-year-old Sheila hopes he will ‘try to be like his mother’.
‘Be kind and surround yourself with good people’, says Maureen, 74.
Brian, 82, adds: ‘Keep out of trouble and think things through.’
But 89-year-old Maria is more about the eye candy – she thinks King Charles is a bit of a dish.
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