THE crème de la crème of Bradford were invited to join the Royals and other dignitaries at St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Sofia Buncy, DL and National Co-Ordinator at Bradford’s Khidmat Centres as well as Kim Shutler, CEO of the Cellar Trust, were invited to attend The National Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, The Queen on Friday.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sofia Buncy, DL. Kaneez Khan and Kim Shutler Sofia Buncy, DL. Kaneez Khan and Kim Shutler

Ms Buncy said: “It was an exhilarating experience to be at St Paul’s Cathedral for The National Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, The Queen.

“We were amongst members of the royal family as well as other dignitaries such as Prime Ministers and Mayors.

“It was a blessing to be there on a monumental day and it meant a lot to the people of Bradford, who saw us on TV.

“People from Bradford felt as though they were there because we were there, and it felt really special.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ms Buncy with the Duke of Cambridge Ms Buncy with the Duke of Cambridge

“I did mention to HRH The Duke of Cambridge that Bradford had won the City of Culture 2025 bid, which he was aware of, and I did invite him back for another visit.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ms Shutler with the Duchess of Cambridge Ms Shutler with the Duchess of Cambridge The service was broadcasted on TV screens and was watched nationally and internationally over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday.

Ms Shutler said: “It was the most incredible experience, and it was quite surreal being there.

“It was an incredible privilege to be there flying the flag for all the community organisations in Bradford.

“From start to finish it was amazing, every little detail was mesmerising and I felt incredibly humbled being there.

“We all got the chance to speak with the Duchess of Cambridge and the room was filled with people, who were all working in their local communities, and on frontline services; there were no celebrities.

“It was great that the work that goes on in Bradford was being recognised at such a momentous and fantastic occasion.

“I did tell the Duchess to come back and visit Bradford again now that we’ve won City of Culture, 2025.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ms Buncy with the Duchess of Cambridge Ms Buncy with the Duchess of Cambridge

Ms Buncy described the service at St Paul’s Cathedral as ‘moving’ and ‘showed the resilience and relentless commeitment of the Queen to communities over 70 years of service.

She added: “As a woman, it feels more important to celebrate because this is another woman who has dedicated her life to the public.”