On big national occasions, my family — like millions of others — want to be together. For jubilees, royal weddings and funerals, the best china is dusted off, tea from Fortnum & Mason ordered, bunting hung (if appropriate) and furniture rearranged to give everyone a good view of the TV.
The Coronation was different. When I received an invitation, I was thrilled — but pondered hard on my response. Would I be taking the place of someone more deserving?
I knew hereditary peers had missed out, even those whose forebears had undertaken ceremonial roles at coronations down the generations.