'What a privilege': Shrewsbury woman's perfect seat in Westminster Abbey for King's Coronation
Tricia Sharpe still can’t believe that she was one of the guests at the Coronation of King Charles – or that she had a wonderful seat in Westminster Abbey.
Mrs Sharpe, from Shrewsbury, was invited to the ceremony to mark her services to trampolining for people with disabilities.
She was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to British Gymnastics in 2021 but never expected to be at the Coronation.
“The day was incredible,” she said.
“The sights and sounds of the Abbey will remain with me forever. My seat in the Abbey afforded me a view of their Majesties’ thrones and all the members of our Royal family were sitting opposite me.”
She said she had the high altar and pulpit to her left and the choir to her right.
“I still can’t believe there was no pillar in front to obscure my view. There was just the odd large hat and Yeoman of the Guard.”
During the service she said highlights included seeing Prince William kneel before his King, and the newly crowned King walk past wearing the Coronation crown.
“It was such a special day, one to remember forever," she said.
"What a privilege it was to be part of such a wonderful historic event what was a long day was perfect from start to end.”
However, Mrs Sharpe had no time to relax and take everything in after the service.
“I got a train straight from the Coronation to Heathrow to fly to America to visit my stepson, Richard.
“My husband, Dave drove down to Heathrow on Saturday and I met him there. It seems so surreal - I still can’t get the Coronation images or the sounds out of my head.”
