THE Wangaratta–based 15th Earl of Loudon, Simon Abney–Hastings, enjoyed being in London during the historic coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
"The week in London preparing for the coronation (was) an incredible week full of highlights," he told the Wangaratta Chronicle.
"To be in official attendance as the Bearer of the Great Golden Spurs, which has been the privilege and family prerogative for centuries, has been a profound experience."
It's through the Grey de Ruthin line (an English baronetcy) and the Marshal family that the Earl has the right to be the Bearer of the Great Golden Spurs.
Earls of Loudon have filled the role at the coronation of the monarchs of England and Great Britain since the coronation of King Richard I in 1189.
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The current spurs, which form part of the sacred regalia of the coronation ceremony, were made in 1661 for Charles II, and updated in 1820 for George IV by adding new textiles, buckles and straps.
Local viewers may have been looking out for the Earl to physically present the golden diamond–encrusted spurs to the new monarch, recognising the sovereign's role as head of the armed forces.
Instead, he was part of the procession into Westminster Abbey as a bearer of the spurs – one of 13 people with ceremonial roles in the coronation ceremony.
The Earl said his part in the historic occasion involved two days of rehearsals, on Wednesday and Thursday at the 750 year old abbey, including a full dress rehearsal on Thursday.
"I didn't mind that I didn't physically present the spurs to HM, who was at rehearsals on Thursday," the Earl said.
"The atmosphere was relaxed."
