May got off to a spectacular start with the Coronation of their Royal Highnesses King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and celebrations for several days afterwards. The Mistress and I watched the Coronation on television on Saturday 6 May along with millions across the globe.

The Coronation ceremony included the all-important anointing of the King behind a specially created embroidered screen to which our Company contributed. A wonderful event, and the celebrations are already legendary.

Earlier in the week, on Tuesday 2 May, a small group enjoyed a private view of Sir John Soane’s museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Soane was the son of a bricklayer and was himself in the trade before his skill at drawing singled him out for architectural training, subsequently becoming the most sought-after architect of the early 19th century.

Winning the Royal Academy Gold medal for architecture allowed him to travel to the Continent, and he became fascinated by classical architecture. His three houses are now one of the best small museums in the country, and a full account of the event will appear on the website shortly.

We walked the short distance to the Delaunay, Aldwych, where a very convivial luncheon was enjoyed in their private dining room. We were made very welcome and will certainly be back!

The next day, the Mistress and I were at the Coronation garden party at Buckingham palace, with King Charles and Queen Camilla in attendance. The gardens are spectacular, and it was a wonderfully sunny day with over 7000 guests including the Masters and Consorts of many other Livery Companies. Tea, sandwiches and cakes were all delicious, with two military bands playing in the background.

Two days later, I was delighted to be invited to lunch at Galvin at Windows as the guest of Liveryman Colin Beeck, who was in London for two weeks having just flown in from Western Australia. It was a superb lunch with friends in a very special setting. On the 28th floor of the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, the restaurant has stunning views in all directions.

A wonderful start to the month!