As a longstanding reporter for a republican-leaning newspaper that has just exposed the outrageous cost of the crown, it may raise some eyebrows that I helped organise the biggest coronation street party in Stockport.
Some very good friends were disgusted. “Pidd. Stop this right now,” ordered a pal from Belfast after I posted a photograph of papier-mache busts of Charles and Camilla that my stepdaughter and I were crafting in the run-up to the big day. “Not my king,” replied an Aussie when invited to join in the fun. Others shook their heads in horror when they learned I had bought lifesize cutouts of the major royals (no Prince Andrew, but a Meghan) for the occasion.
