Wiltshire County Standard Bearer proud to participate in the Coronation

Kevin Toft, who lives in Bishops Cannings, is Chairman of Seend Royal British Legion(RBL) and is a Wiltshire County Standard Bearer, says it was an honour and privilege to have been chosen to be part of the 100 strong RBL Guard of Honour on Parliament Square for the King’s Coronation on Sat May 6. Despite the atrocious weather conditions on the day and the hours of rehearsals through the night for four days, Kevin told Marlborough.news, “ This was the ultimate compliment for me. I won’t say it was easy, we were cold and wet, left standing still for hours on end but we definitely had the best seat in the house. As the glistening gold carriage passed in front of us within touching distance, it made me feel so proud and definitely something I would tell my future grandchildren all about.”

Kevin had to keep his part in the Coronation secret for months. Finally, on May 2 he travelled to London for the preparations and rehearsals for the big day. Together with Amanda Bearryman, a Wiltshire County Standard Bearer and Wiltshire Women’s Section Standard Bearer, he joined the full complement of the Household Cavalry, Bands of the Guards, RAF, Royal Marines and State Coaches in Whitehall and Westminster for a through the night practice finishing at 5am the following morning.

Kevin commented, “It was an extremely cold night and quite a few of us as well as the military suffered.  I saw 3 members of the Guards and Blues and Royals pass-out to my front and 5 of our own were seen to by the onsite medical teams. It takes quite a bit of effort to keep the blood flowing when you are standing perfectly still all that time!”

After three more days of rehearsals, kit preparation (lots of polishing!), inspections and drill practice followed by some rest and downtime, the RBL representatives were ready for the big day.

Kevin describes the day, “Alarm clocks were set for 4.45am, with breakfast from 5am. We had to parade in the foyer and be ready to go at 6.30am as the coaches were booked for 7am to leave for Horseguards and Whitehall. The whole of Central London would be in lockdown from 8.00am so it was imperative we got to our places before the gates were closed by the Police.”

The RBL group marched to their position in Parliament Square, facing Westminster Abbey and Big Ben where they stayed until King Charles and Queen Camilla entered Westminster Abbey. After a short rest they were back in position in readiness for the King and Queen’s exit from the abbey.  Next they gave a third Royal Salute.

Kevin commented,” We were soaked through to the skin. Standing still with rain running down your back isn’t the best feeling in the world but every one of us braved the weather and stood tall.”

After official photos there were presentations from the RBL National President and participants were officially informed they would also receive the King’s Coronation Medal in the near future.

Kevin said,“Prior to this my highlight had been: to lead my Region’s standards from beneath the Royal box onto the floor of the Royal Albert Hall at the Festival of Remembrance Show; to stand at the Cenotaph in Whitehall at Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral. I didn’t honestly think there could be anything to top this.  But to be nominated to be part of King Charles III’s Guard of Honour at his Coronation – I have been truly blessed!”