Locals in Swindon reflect on Coronation Big Lunch

On Sunday, HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence joined their Coronation celebrations

Her Royal Highness meeting residents of Belmont Crescent in Old Town during their Big Lunch street party to celebrate the Coronation
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 8th May 2023

Yesterday, locals in Swindon were joined by a Royal guest for the Big Lunch - celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Excited neighbours welcomed HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence at Belmont Crescent in Old Town which like many across Wiltshire, was being held to mark the once-in-a-generation occasion.

HRH The Princess Royal and Sir Tim were received and greeted by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton, at the special celebration and were introduced to local dignitaries including the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Mr Pradeep Bhardwaj and The Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Abdul Amin.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal met dignitaries including Swindon Mayor, Councillor Abdul Amin

Jeremy Holt, local resident and member of the organising committee, then introduced Her Royal Highness and her husband to the committee responsible for organising the street party, before the couple met dozens of residents and guests, including nine-year-old Olivia Battye and her 14-year-old sister Sophie, who presented HRH with a posy of flowers.

There was also a special surprise for all of the children who were there, as they were presented with a commemorative tin by HRH as a memento for such an unforgettable day.

The tins contained text explaining when and where they were presented as well as a collection of British and foreign coins and bank notes.

Nine-year-old Olivia Battye and her 14-year-old sister Sophie presented Her Royal Highness with a posy of flowers

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton, said: “It was a pleasure and an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to Swindon and we were so pleased that she could enjoy a Big Lunch with the friends and neighbours of Belmont Crescent.”

Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Abdul Amin, said: “We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to Swindon on such a momentous occasion for the country.

“The surprise on the faces of all those present when they saw the Royal visitors was something to behold and provided memories which will be treasured for years to come. I am immensely proud that Swindon has its own unique link to the Coronation on this historic weekend to celebrate our new King.”

Jeremy Holt, member of the organising committee for the Big Lunch street party, said: “I am in awe of the number of official engagements that Her Royal Highness performs each year. I was also particularly impressed that, as this was a sharing lunch, she brought with her a personal contribution of food to the lunch.”

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