Queen Consort Camilla recently crowned 500 Coronation Champions to honor Britain’s volunteers, following an overwhelming response of 5,000 entries.
A panel of 20 judges convened in London to select the final award recipients from the multitude of submissions.
The nominations for the Coronation Champions awards, supported by the Mail, far exceeded expectations, doubling the anticipated number of entries.
Reports suggest that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was left disheartened upon discovering the news.
She reportedly contacted Catherine Johnston, the Chief Executive of the Royal Voluntary Service, to propose Archule for the prestigious royal accolade.
However, Meghan was left in distress upon learning that the awards, orchestrated by Camilla, aimed to acknowledge the nation’s dedicated volunteers.
Both Meghan and King Charles had expressed a desire for the coronation to recognize and appreciate individuals who make significant contributions to their communities.
Nevertheless, Queen Camilla promptly dismissed the Duchess’ unconventional request.
The 500 Coronation Champions will receive a special pin and a certificate signed by the King and Queen.
Additionally, they will be granted tickets to attend either the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on May 7 or a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Dr. Eddie Hogg, a social policy lecturer at the University of Kent, sifted through 676 entries before the final 500 were chosen by the judging panel, which included Charity Supremo Dame Julia Cleverdon and Chief Nursing Officer Dame Ruth May.
The winners will be notified individually over the coming week, and all 500 names will be published on the RVS website by month-end.
Some awardees will also be featured in the Daily Mail.
The award categories encompass a wide range of areas such as Older People and Dementia Support, Young People and Children, Crisis and Welfare, Community, Mental Health and Companionship, Physical Health and Disability, NHS and Social Care, as well as Sustainability and the Environment.
Catherine Johnston commended the judges for being deeply moved by the entrants’ stories, emphasizing that each submission warranted recognition for their exceptional efforts in enhancing their communities.
Juliet Bovery, CEO of the Stroke Association, highlighted the vital role these individuals play in uniting communities and making a tangible impact on people’s lives.
Prince Harry is confirmed to attend his father’s coronation, while Meghan will remain in California with their children to celebrate Archie‘s fourth birthday on May 6.
Speculation suggests Meghan’s decision is influenced by both Archie’s birthday and her focus on establishing their future in the US.
PR experts believe Meghan’s absence from the coronation will have minimal repercussions on her global image, particularly outside the UK.
Despite stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan has only visited the UK a few times since then.
Industry insiders suggest that Meghan’s prioritization of her brand and future endeavors in the US indicates a gradual separation from royal engagements for her personal benefit.
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