Fit for a King: Local care home celebrates coronation of King Charles III with big patio picnic

Residents at Pendean House Bupa Care Home have enjoyed celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III with a big patio picnic, which they shared with friends and family.

On Friday 5th May, residents and their family and friends were invited to the care home for an afternoon tea party to kickstart celebrations ahead of the new King being crowned.

Guests were invited to enjoy picnic food including macaroons, cream scones and coronation chicken sandwiches complete with a glass of Pimms and Kir Royale cocktails to mark the occasion.

Adding a further touch of royalty to the celebration, guests and residents were also invited to sit on a throne with a coronation cloak and crown that had been set up by the staff so they could enjoy being The King or Queen Consort of Pendean House for the day.

The care home has a special connection to King Charles, as he used to visit Midhurst regularly to play polo on a nearby green when he was the Prince of Wales, close by to where Pendean House is situated.

One resident Mr William Simpson aged 90, commented: “I had a wonderful time celebrating with my friends and family at the picnic. The cakes were delicious, and it was such good fun to sit on the throne and pretend to be the King!”

Another resident Mrs Margery Burn aged 97, commented: “It was lovely to celebrate King Charles’ Coronation at Pendean House, the staff made the home look beautiful and the food was delicious. I remember watching the Queens coronation with my family in 1953, so it was lovely to watch the new King’s too.”

Juliet Manaois, Head of Care commented: “It was a lovely weekend celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III, it was great to have lots of visitors for our residents who had a great time celebrating. It was great to see the photos of when King Charles was in Midhurst playing polo, they are wonderful photos that made the day feel even more special.”

Pendean House Bupa Care Home is situated in Midhurst and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care including those living with Parkinson’s. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services