It was my great honour and privilege to have received an invitation to the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla and to attend the ceremony in Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 2023.

It is difficult to find words to describe the setting and atmosphere within the Abbey and the service itself. It is something that I will personally cherish and remain in my memory for the rest of my life. I met many amazing people including Mrs Charlotte Elizabeth Webb MBE who was a code breaker at Bletchley Park during WW2. She will celebrate her 100th birthday on 13th May. 

 The service, watched by millions across the World, reflected the Monarch’s role today and looked towards the future, whilst being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.

 His Majesty, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland prior to his accession to the Throne, was a regular visitor to Dumfries House in Ayrshire, which forms part of The Prince’s Foundation. He also recently visited Alloway village and Burns Cottage.  He has also played a massive part in the regeneration of the south of East Ayrshire and has guided the restoration of community facilities in New Cumnock in particular.

I hope that Their Majesties will be able to find time in their busy schedules to visit Ayrshire and Arran in the future. 

Sheriff Iona S McDonald OBE

Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran