Young and older combined to stage a glorious coronation celebration for the Angus tea party groups, with more than 150 guests being piped in by 17-year-old Kieran Fotheringham.

The Duchess of Fife, who is also Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Angus, attended the event at Letham Village Hall, as the king’s representative. She was presented with a bouquet by Sophie Ogilvy, also 17, who has supported her mum, Pam, coordinator for the Kirriemuir group.

Local scouts formed a guard of honour as the tea party guests arrived. Among them were some who were celebrating their third Coronation – George VI’s in 1936, Elizabeth II’s in 1953 and Charles III’s.

Muriel Wyse, 94, who was on her hat-trick of crownings, said: “I was six when George VI had his coronation. Our primary school teacher went and described how all the streets had been decorated with garlands. I got a souvenir which was a gold coach, complete with six horses and the figures of the king and queen inside. I was also given a beautiful red velvet butterfly brooch, which we were told had been made from the robes of the peers who attended.

“When Elizabeth was crowned I was 24 and working as a radiographer at the local hospital. A big screen was set-up in a hall so we could pop in when we had a chance and watch the ceremony.

“Although King Charles’ coronation was scaled down it seemed much grander than the others because it was in colour. We could only see Elizabeth’s in black and white and we didn’t have a TV when George was crowned.

“I really do feel privileged to have celebrated all three coronations.”

Jean Malcolm, coordinator for tea party groups in, Forfar, Carnoustie/Monifieth, Laurencekirk, Brechin, Montrose and Kirriemuir, said: “It was a fabulous day with a real community feel.

“We’ve never staged an event in this area on this scale before and everyone was delighted with the way it went. I’ve had messages from quite a few people saying it was a privilege to be involved with such a great charity.”

The village hall was decked out with bouquets donated by the flower clubs of Brechin, Montrose and Kirriemuir. The local Co-op donated tea, coffee, milk and sugar and Asda weighed-in with a cheque for £400 to help pay for cakes and sandwiches. There was also an anonymous donation of £500 and a well-wisher paid for the hire of the hall.

Jean, who wore her special red, white and blue shoes for the occasion, added: “Apart from being an unforgettable day for everyone who was there this was a chance to say a big thank you to all our dedicated volunteers who give so much to help end loneliness among older people.”