VOLUNTEERS from the British Red Cross’ North Wales Emergency Response team based in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay attended King Charles III’s coronation on Saturday (May 6).
Barrie Roberts, a crisis response volunteer in Llandudno; and Richard Worsley, an emergency response volunteer in Colwyn Bay, both represented the organisation at the event.
They were among 22 volunteers from across the UK representing the Red Cross, along with Liz Padmore, chair of the organisation.
In full ceremonial uniform, they lined the King’s procession route from south of Trafalgar Square along Whitehall.
Richard said: “It was truly wonderful. Everybody was in such good spirits; the atmosphere was just tremendous.
“On the way down, it was just King Charles and Camilla who passed us in their carriage, but on the way back, we saw Kate and William, and Princess Anne, too.
“I feel absolutely privileged, humbled and proud to have been there.”
Barrie and Richard were part of the uniformed civilian contingent of 220 personnel from various organisations, including St John Ambulance, HM Coastguard, and more.
Richard also travelled to London with Nicholas Brown, an emergency response volunteer in Wrexham, and Sian Stephenson, another North Wales-based volunteer.
He came home on Sunday (May 7), making it back in time to attend a community event to celebrate the coronation yesterday afternoon.
Barrie, whose full-time job is a health and safety practitioner, also enjoyed last night’s coronation concert at Windsor Castle.
Of the coronation, he said: “It really was an amazing experience.
“I feel very, very honoured and privileged to have been invited by the Red Cross to attend, and even more so to have been appointed detachment commander.
“It was a real privilege, and an amazing opportunity, to be a part of it.
“I had attended the overnight rehearsals last Tuesday, which ran from about 7pm until 4.30am the next day!
“I was less than two metres away from the royal coaches as they went in each direction; both to Westminster Abbey and then on their return to Buckingham Palace. It was an amazing experience.
“It was surreal just to be stood there – certainly not something you’re going to see every day of the week!
“I also attended the coronation concert, which was amazing, purely because of the members of the royal family all being there, joining in and dancing around.”
Richard spent his career in the Royal Air Force and Ministry of Defence police.
He started volunteering with the British Red Cross in 2022 and has supported Ukrainians at welcome centres since.
In addition, Richard also volunteers with the independent living team at his nearest hospital.
Barrie first volunteered with the Red Cross as a junior in 1967; he re-joined the organisation three years ago.
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