Veterans at Royal Star & Garter have had a long weekend of celebrations and parties to mark the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Residents at the charity’s three Homes, in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe, enjoyed street parties, live music and treats, as they marked the historic event. Coronation celebrations on the Bank Holiday Monday 8 May coincided with VE Day.

Royal Star & Garter is a charity which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity helped prepare for the revelries, by contributing toward coronation bunting for each of the Homes, as well as sweet treats and goody bags which included a coronation pen and pin badge for all residents. Royal Star & Garter caterers Signature Dining also provided cupcakes for residents and staff members in the Homes.

Royal Star & Garter veterans had helped gear up for the weekend by taking part in a range of activities, including arts and crafts and cookery.

The festivities kicked off at High Wycombe on Friday 5 May when residents took part in a King Charles III quiz.

On Saturday, residents in the Homes gathered to watch the coronation service together in communal areas, before tucking into a celebratory lunch. In Solihull, this was traditional fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, following a request from residents.

Later that afternoon, the High Wycombe Home hosted an indoor street party with residents enjoying Prosecco and a homemade buffet they had prepared themselves. Surbiton also held a street party in its reception area, enjoying cakes, Pimms, Prosecco and a singalong. At Solihull, staff hosted a tea party, with singing and dancing.

The festivities continued on Sunday, with live music and relatives coming to the Homes for the Coronation Big Lunch, before they tuned in to the concert at Windsor Castle. The Bank Holiday Monday coincided with VE Day, and saw more entertainment and celebrations take place. In Solihull, Army veteran Brian attended the Royal British Legion Shirley branch’s Commemorative Service of Remembrance.

Royal Star & Garter’s Director of Care, Pauline Shaw, said: “I’m delighted we were able to celebrate this special and historic occasion with our residents. They have a deep love and affiliation for the royal family, and it was important for them that they could be part of the national festivities. The fact that VE Day fell during the long weekend made everything that little bit more special for us.”

‘Mark the King’s coronation in style’

Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: “We treasure our close relationship with Royal Star & Garter and the veteran care home community, and are delighted to help residents mark the King’s coronation in style. It is a time for great celebration and excitement, and it’s lovely to share this with the Royal Star & Garter family.”

Royal Star & Garter is welcoming new residents. For more information on this, or to work at the charity, go to www.starandgarter.org