A North East MP has said it is "an honour and a privilege" to attend the King's Coronation in Westminster Abbey today (Saturday, May 6).
Richard Holden was selected in a random ballot of MPs to attend the Coronation of HM The King and Queen in a historic event.
The North West Durham MP will be there to witness history unfold in what he described as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many".
Coronations have been held at Westminster Abbey for almost 900 years, with William the Conqueror being the first documented coronation there on Christmas Day 1066.
King Charles III will be the 40th morarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, but it is only the second to be televised and broadcast to the Commonwealth and the wider world.
Mr Holden said: “It is an honour and a privilege to represent the people of North West Durham in Westminster Abbey today.
"I have been very fortunate to have been selected in a ballot as one of a small number of Members of Parliament who will be attending alongside Cabinet Ministers and former Prime Ministers.
"Perhaps the winning entry in my Coronation Card competition is one of the first things he saw after being crowned.
“Bringing people together in unity to mark this historical occasion is what this Coronation is really about.
"The events I attended yesterday in our area really were something special, the community spirit is so strong here. So, while I am excited to go, I am also sad to be missing out on the celebrations today in the towns and villages across North West Durham.
“I will remember today for the rest of my life. Bring on the Carolean era - Long live The King!”
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