A grandfather-of-five who was a Grenadier Guard at the Queen's coronation 70 years ago has top advice for those serving at the King's.
Roy Blake, 89, served for three years in the Grenadier Guards when he turned 18 in 1952.
After extensive training, Roy stood for hours in the iconic red uniform and bearskin hat during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953.
He lined the streets along the mall outside St James' Park with his fellow guards in the pouring rain as the late Queen was crowned.
And this time round, he plans to watch King Charles' coronation from the cinema room at his care home.
Which member of the Royal Family are you? Take our quiz
He's looking forward to the festivities, but is not "as excited" as he was the first time round as he's "already been there, done that, got the t-shirt".
Roy, from Nottingham, said: "The public really made the atmosphere at the Queen's coronation. It was almost hysterical in some ways because they really made a festival of it.
"Apart from the fact it rained for nine hours and we got completely wet through, it was fantastic."
He added: "She was a great Queen, and an example to us all. She did this country proud for 70 years and saw us through some hard times, but we are all stronger for it."
He is now looking forward to ceebrating the coronation of King Charles III but joked: "I'm not impressed I haven't received my invitation from the King yet!"
The former railway and Post Office worker said: "I think it will be a different kind of ceremony altogether. I'm not too excited because I've been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
"If I have any advice for the guards at the upcoming coronation it would be to make sure you've had a good breakfast."
Roy will be watching this coronation at Fairway View care home, where he lives. He said: "I think coronations remind people of our country's history, and what we've built on.
"I'm looking forward to watching the coronation in the cinema room at Fairway View, although it doesn't seem long since the Queen's coronation to me.
"I was a young man then, but at least this time I will be dry and warm!
"I think King Charles III will be a good monarch, though he does have big shoes to fill."
Sarah Barnes, the home manager at Fairway View, said: "Hearing the amazing memories that Roy and our other residents have of the last coronation is simply incredible - we want to make King Charles III's coronation just as special for them.
READ NEXT:
