Chorister Adrian Dence from Milford invited to King Charles’ coronation

A chorister from Milford who sang at the Queen’s coronation has been invited to King Charles’ crowning as a special VIP guest.

As previously reported in the A&T, Adrian Dence was only 13 when he performed with St George’s school choir at Queen Elizabeth’s ceremony in 1953 at Westminster Abbey.

He had applied to attend King Charles’ coronation through a public ballot but was turned down.

So he was thrilled when he received an invitation to a special viewing area near Buckingham Palace after a national newspaper took up his cause.

Adrian (83) said: “I was quite disappointed when I did not get accepted after applying, so it was a huge surprise when I received the news that I was going to the coronation after all.”

He and wife Ann (84) will see the King depart and arrive for the ceremony from their prime spot.

Adrian, who still sings at Christchurch Priory, has proud memories of singing for the Queen.

He said: “It was such a momentous occasion which we had trained months and months for. We were very disciplined. We had to be in the abbey at 7.30am and were given a packet of sandwiches and a bottle of milk to have during the day.

“I was second head chorister and can remember being terribly proud of the terrific performance the St George’s choir put on that day.”

Adrian had won a scholarship to the Windsor school at the age of eight. He says he plans to wear a “retro” outfit of a mackintosh, to which he will pin his Queen’s Coronation Medal, and a hat for Saturday’s event.

He said: “Me and Ann are so excited to be going. I am looking forward to hearing what the choir will be like for Charles. “