Suffolk woman receives invite to King's Coronation
The coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen is due to take place on the 6th of May at Westminster Abbey.
Last updated 2nd May 2023
Many will be watching King Charles III and Queen Camilla's coronation next week from their homes but a Suffolk woman will be attending the event in person.
Krystal Vittles has received an official invitation to the Coronation of King Charles the Third, and Camilla. Due to take place on the 6th of May at Westminster Abbey in central London
Krystal from Suffolk Libraries told us what her reaction was when she realised she had been invited.
"It's incredibly surreal, I have to say.
“I think the reason I was sent it was because they decided at the palace that they were going to invite lots of British Empire Medallists (BEM) to the event and I got chosen.
“I don't know how I got chosen, but I had an e-mail and I think it was either late February, or early March, and I said, oh, this feels like a wind-up. This doesn't feel right. But now, it turns out it was true, and it just kind of spiralled from there...
"I kind of laughed actually, because it still doesn't feel real in a way...It's quite amusing at the same time. So, I suppose until I'm there, in my mind, it's just very odd and a little bit funny."
The British Empire Medal is granted in recognition of meritorious civil or military service and is awarded for a 'hands-on' service to the local community.
Instructions for the day
Krystal told us how the invitation arrived with a "booklet of instructions, which tells you where you need to present yourself at what time and in terms of what you can wear.
Krystal has revealed the dress code for the event is "Ladies Day dress, hats and fascinators are optional. Men (are wearing) Morning suits And if you're in the military... Military dress."
She also told us she is still deciding on what to wear.
Other instructions Krystal received include "No plus ones... No recording equipment...they're really clear on those... it's about common sense really, so not bothering other people, not getting over-excited if I see a celebrity, just generally behaving myself."
Hopes for the new King
Krystal told us what she hopes the new King will do for our county.
"I wish them the best of luck(I’d) like for Charles as King is his to keep that green commitment. He’s very much into environmentalism and I think that someone with his status moving forward can really put that top of the agenda for people.
"That's such an important thing and King Charles seems to really understand that."