For the very first time in history, Filipinos had been invited to the coronation of a British monarch. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta-Ramos, with nurses Charito Romano and Xyza Macutay-Malloch, attended the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey on 6 May. They joined more than 2,200 distinguished guests from across the world, including some 100 heads of state, celebrities, politicians and community champions.
“We underscore the thriving relationship between the Philippines and the United Kingdom, which has been promising in increasing trade, investment, and cultural exchanges for the Filipino people,” Mr Marcos wrote on Twitter after attending the royal reception at Buckingham Palace.
On coronation day, the President posted this message: “I join the community of nations in congratulating His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on their Coronation.
“It was a great honor to have a pleasant exchange with His Majesty and to represent the Philippines at such a historic event.
“On behalf of the Filipino people, I wish His Majesty King Charles III a long and happy reign that brings peace, progress, and prosperity for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth,” he ended.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also attended the coronation service. He said he hoped for deeper ties between the Philippines and the UK.
The couple posted photos of themselves separately on their official Facebook pages.
Meanwhile, Filipino nurses Charito Romano and Xyza Macutay-Malloch, were also invited to the historic event. Both of them were awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in January 2021 for their exceptional work during the pandemic.
Ms Romano was recognised for rallying her nursing and care team to keep residents and staff safe at the Arbrook House Care Home in Surrey during the pandemic. She also covered the role of clinical services manager while colleagues were shielding or self-isolating.
Ms Macutay-Malloch is a care home manager at Kingsley House Nursing Home in Tetbury. She was awarded a BEM for protecting residents throughout the pandemic. In an interview after the coronation, she said, “Receiving the email invite to attend the King’s Coronation was unexpected and I had to read the email three times to make sure.”
“I had my very first glimpse of King Charles during the procession and it was spectacular!
“The historical and momentousness of the occasion didn’t really sink in until we all chanted God save King Charles and I felt goosebumps,” she said.
