Interim CEO’s “honour and a privilege” representing St John Ambulance Cymru at King Charles III’s Coronation

St John Ambulance Cymru has played its part in historic events for over a century and as the world watched King Charles and Queen Camilla being crowned last Saturday three of our St John Ambulance Cymru people were in London to represent Wales’s leading first aid charity at the momentous occasion.

King Charles III is the Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, having assumed the title on the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The Royal Family have a close relationship with St John Ambulance. In 1888 Queen Victoria granted the Order of St John a Royal Charter, and the Reigning Monarch has been the Sovereign Head of the Order ever since.

Our Chief Volunteer, Richard Paskell MBE CStJ, and Commissioner for Dyfed, Andy King OStJ, CertHE, AP, ILM, had the honour of being asked to represent St John Ambulance Cymru as part of the uniformed civilian services contingent of the Coronation procession.

They arrived in London on the Friday before the Coronation and were given a tour of St John Gate, their Church and its Crypts, followed by a private viewing of the museum. Their uniforms were closely inspected and then they were taken to drill practice; three hours of military drill practice to learn the complex moves of marching in and out of pace and step, swapping positions and dropping off.

Richard said, “Prior to the event it was important for us to ensure our uniforms were correct and looking as smart as possible.

The morning of the Coronation was an early start for Andy and Richard, as they were expected to be in formation at 6am. They marched out onto Whitehall where they remained on plot until the Royal party moved past.

Richard said, “To see the Soldiers up close, and the marching bands, and the horses was simply wonderful.

It was very damp and got quite cold standing on plot for over 6 hours, but the thrill of the event and seeing the Royal party pass within a meter of us was heart-warming.”

He added, “It was great to see Wales represented, alongside volunteer colleagues from Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.

I feel so blessed and humbled to have represented every member of St John Ambulance Cymru at the Royal Coronation.

With our King being the former Prince of Wales, this made it more special for Andy and I – a real Welsh synergy.

The opportunity of attending this event can only be described as a once in a lifetime memory, and certainly a highlight of my own St John Ambulance Cymru career.”

When the Royal party had passed by Richard and Andy marched down Whitehall to Westminster and across Westminster Bridge, to the beat of the Royal Marines band as the assembled crowd applauded and cheered.

Andy said, “To represent not just St John Ambulance Cymru but the wider St John family at the Kings Coronation was both an honour and a privilege.

I am so very grateful to have had this once in a lifetime opportunity and experience, it is something I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

To play a part in history and witnessing a Coronation isn’t something that happens every day, let alone be a part of the event.

Forming part of the civilian services contingent, and being only one of two to represent Wales and St John Ambulance Cymru is certainly one of the biggest highlights of my St John career to date.”

Also present in London for the Coronation was our interim CEO, Andy Jones, FCIPD,OStJ, who represented St John Ambulance Cymru as one of 2,000 people invited by the Earl Marshall to join the congregation at Westminster Abbey.

He said, “It was my privilege, and indeed my highest honour, to represent St John Ambulance Cymru at the Coronation of Their Majesties.

The enormity of the occasion gradually arrived as I walked along the Thames to Lambeth Bridge, witnessing first-hand the size of the multi-agency operation, including our St John Ambulance colleagues, a high visible presence, knowing also that Richie and Andy were also performing a key role to keep everyone safe.

Andy took his seat in the Nave at the western end of the Abbey where he was fortunate to be able to see the many dignitaries, royalty from other countries and of course our own Royal Family, prior to the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

He said, “It is hard to place into words the experience, other than to say it was deeply touching, the choir, individual singers, music hitting everyone’s core, many of the congregation at times close to tears.

The overwhelming message throughout the Coronation was about duty and service.

It’s a day I will never forget. I consider myself very fortunate, and am incredibly proud that St John Ambulance Cymru was invited to be present.

As I stepped into the Abbey I knew only too well that it was because of our wonderful volunteers and staff who continue to save lives and enhance the health and well-being of communities in Wales.”