MY Coronation STORY
Having won first prize for her ladybird costume at the 1953 Coronation parade of her hometown Egham in Surrey, Patricia Holbrook will never forget the excitement of that special day.
She says: “I am 74 now but I remember the celebrations vividly. Some 70 years later I still cherish the moment.”
The young Patricia saved all of her precious mementos of that day – her first-prize ticket, an old black and white photo of the fancy dress procession, and a box of fancy chocolates.
Explaining why it meant so much to her, she says: “I was born in October 1948, a couple of weeks before Prince Charles, as he was also four at the time of the Coronation.”
Patricia and her sister’s costumes were a family effort.
She recalls: “My mum made a pink costume (a bit like a swimming costume) with red felt wings and cap.
“My dad made the metal-shaped daisy, while mum covered it in white fabric. My sister went as a doll-in-a-box.”
The council organised the celebrations that day which went on well into the night and all refreshments were free.
Patricia says: “It was very generous – especially for back then. There was dancing, cabaret, party games, a beauty contest and even a knobbly knees competition!”
She continues: “The procession was on our road in Spring Rise, Egham, and I was very proud of my costume.
“I’m the little pudding holding the daisy in the left of the photo. I vividly remember crying because I couldn’t see my mum!”
Showing her souvenirs, Patricia says: “This is the card that was presented to me, ‘Patty Capper’ – Patty was my dad’s name for me – and inside were savings stamps. Prince Charles value 2/6 and Princess Anne value 6d – a total of five shillings.
“I have also kept the empty half-pound box of Fry’s Sandwich Chocolates – they were a real treat as we rarely had sweets in those days.
“After the procession, all us children sat down to a magnificent tea.”
Looking forward to the King’s Coronation, she says: “Let’s hope all the children enjoy this Coronation as much as I did – and the sun shines!”
Do you have any mementoes from the last Coronation? Email siobhan.mcnally@mirror.co.uk