PALACE TO MARK CORONATION DAY

Details of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation on 2 June 2003 were finally announced on 16th April 2003.  The Palace website (www.royal.gov.uk) states:

“On 2 June 1953, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in Westminster Abbey.  To mark the 50th anniversary of that ceremony a service will be held in Westminster Abbey at 11.30am on 2 June 2003.  It will be attended by members of the Royal Family and invited guests.

“Tickets will be available to allow 1,000 members of the public to join the invited congregation.  A maximum two tickets per person are available.  People wishing to attend should write with an SAE to: The Assistant Receiver General Protocol, Room 2, The Chapter Office, 20 Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey, London SW1P 3PA.

“As there has been a strong demand for tickets, a ballot will be held.  All those who are successful in applying for tickets will be notified in due course.  The closing date for receiving requests for tickets is Friday, 9 May 2003.  Tickets will be posted by 19 May 2003.

“In the afternoon The Queen will host a children’s tea party in the garden of Buckingham Palace.  The party will feature pop stars, DJs, a funfair, a circus big top, children’s entertainers and military bands.

“More than 500 youngsters aged six to 12 will be invited from all over the UK through Barnado’s, the London Taxi Drivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children and SAFFA Forces Help.  Children at the party will include some with special needs, orphans and others from Service families involved in the Iraq conflict.”

WELCOME NEWS

Christian Voice welcomes the news that Her Majesty is to mark Coronation Day.  The Duke of Edinburgh has even postponed a pre‑arranged dinner at Trinity House to spend the evening with Her Majesty.  We have written to Her Majesty to say that we shall be praying for her in Westminster Chapel during the service in Westminster Abbey.

We do not discourage our members from applying for tickets for the Abbey service – indeed, it would be good to have a report on the service from someone who was there.  As there is certain to be a big demand for tickets, our gracious God will send whoever he pleases to the Abbey service through the ballot.

Palace Press Officer: David Pogson, 020 7024 4213