A British Army reservist from South Tyneside recalls the honour of a lifetime- his involvement in the King’s Coronation procession.
Ryan Young, 28, a British Army reservist from South Tyneside was selected to be part of the procession to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.
During the procession, he marched from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace and performed a rifle drill in the Palace Garden alongside representatives from commonwealth countries from around the world.
Ryan spent three weeks rehearsing at night in London, at Sandhurst, and at RAF Odium.
The rehearsing ensured he was ready for the big day, which he found daunting.
Ryan said: “Knowing that the eyes of the world were going to be on me did make it quite daunting.
“People started queuing for spaces to watch the day’s pageantry about a week before so they saw us practising.
“I think there were 6,000 people taking part in the parade.
“On Coronation Day, we were brought in by train…we came into Waterloo and people were clapping for us already it was such a great thing to see.
“It was such an unbelievable event to be involved in and the memories will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Other uniformed services
Ryan is dedicated to spending his days helping keep the most vulnerable in society safe.
He works full time as a member of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s (TWFRS) Prevention and Education district team.
Ryan also volunteers as a Special Constable with Northumbria Police and an Emergency Ambulance Crew at St John’s Ambulance.
Third royal event
The King’s Coronation Parade is the third royal event Ryan has been involved in over the last 12 months after working the Platinum Jubilee in his volunteer role at St John’s Ambulance.
In September he travelled to Windsor with TWFRS to provide additional support for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service at the funeral Queen Elizabeth II.
