Children at a Bermondsey primary school will perform their own Coronation song next week – and gave the News a sneak preview.
Nursery to Year Six at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School have spent weeks practicing the anthem, which they’ll sing for parents at their Coronation party on Friday, May 5.
Assistant Headteacher Tamsin Watchorn, 28, whose composer husband Nathanael created the song, said: “The school council came together and thought about how they wanted to celebrate the Coronation and one of their ideas was to sing a song.
“We thought it’d be a great way of celebrating the Coronation and, as a Catholic School, it’s important to think and pray for the king at this time.”
Children came up with actions to accompany the words, which are about thanking King Charles for his service, and there’s even a sign language verse.
Asked what she thought of the new king, eight-year-old Nginika, who’s in Year 4, said: “He’s such an excellent King and he really took on the role of his mum.”
Ten-year-old Jordan, who’s in Year 5, said: “I think of the royal family as a good inspiration to everyone.”
The students also had some sage advice for Charles as he adapts to life as the UK’s monarch.
Nine-year-old Maya, from Year 5, said: “He should probably be more eco-friendly because climate change is coming and maybe he should introduce more things like electric cars and recycling bins”.
Seven-year-old Alex, from Year 2, said he should “try to be just like his mum”.
Eleven-year-old Grace, in Year 6, said: “He should be focussing on climate change and the homeless and poor people who need help.”
Alex had a different view on things and said Charles should run the country “like a business”.
The pupils can now look forward to Friday’s Coronation party, where they’ll sing their song and tuck into an afternoon tea of British treats like cake and jelly.