King Charles’ coronation will be a rather different experience for those who have already witnessed some of the most monumental days in the Royal Family’s history. 

People at Claremont Grove Complex, Pudsey, shared their unforgettable memories as part of a special afternoon tea on Wednesday. 

Conversations shared over cups of tea sparked recollections of the late Queen’s coronation in 1953 as well as King Edward VIII’s abdication, special savings accounts, and stamps. 

The weekly meet up, held by the Pudsey Charity for the Visually Impaired, brought people together ahead of a momentous royal weekend.

Former nurse Eileen Beaven, 92, can recall the day of King Edward III’s coronation in 1937 and his later abdication.

When Britain came together for the 1937 coronation, Eileen – along with other school children – were given a bank account with Yorkshire Bank, topped up by a shilling each.

“I remember the abdication as well – it was all happening at that time,” she said. 

“They were very exciting times for us after all the dark days.”

Returning from a night shift on duty, the then-22-year-old invited guests to watch the Queen’s destiny unfold at Westminster Abbey. 

Everyone eagerly watched the television on the floor, having just moved into a new house.

“I stayed up all day and went back to work again that night,” she said. 

“It was raining that day and they cancelled the street party. They had it in the school hall probably two or three days later.

“The build up to it was fantastic, with nursing they were very excited. We were all excited, after the war. We were still rationed. We all cobbled together and got things for the street party.”

Describing her love for the monarchy, she said: “They’re everything. If we didn’t have the Royal Family what would we have? At the moment we’ve nothing in this country that’s stable.”

Pudsey-born Eileen has been presence of several Royal Family members thanks to her nursing career - including the late Queen, Princess Margaret, the Duke of Edinburgh Philip, and minor royals.

The coronation brought joy to people’s lives after endless air raids and bombing, said Eileen, who was eight years old when the war started. 

“We’ll never see that again,” she said. 

Maureen Larner, who was sporting a golden paper crown, remembers watching the Queen’s coronation at her neighbours’ house at the age of 18. 

Now 88-years-old, she will stay in to witness the Queen’s son take the throne.

“I’ll have my hat on,” she said.

Looking ahead to the new monarch’s reign, Elaine Sirriyeh shared her hopes that the King can continue working on causes close to his heart.

Elaine, who watched the Queen’s coronation on a black and white TV aged five, said: “I’m very pleased to have him take over and I hope he’ll be able to keep up with all his environmental work.”

Joyce Barras, 93, has memories of the royals dating back to the 1930s - starting with King Edward VIII’s reign.

Recalling a tune that once echoed around the schoolyards, she sang: “Who’s that coming down the street? It’s Mrs Simpson’s sweaty feet, and she’s been married twice before, now she’s knocking on Edward’s door.”

Mary Meek was 10 years old when she not only watched television for the first time, but saw the Queen Elizabeth II being crowned.

She had been invited to her friend’s house as her father owned the army cinema in Devizes, Wiltshire, and had a TV. 

“It was fascinating,” said the 79-year-old, who moved her family to Leeds after living at an army camp in Germany.

“There was about a dozen of us all together.

“We didn’t have a telly, we couldn’t afford one in those days.”

Reflecting on the late Queen’s reign, she said: “She’s been a calming influence on Governments, whether they were Labour, Conservative or whatever.”

Describing how it feels to witness two coronations in one lifetime, she said: “I can’t believe how old I am. The whole world appreciates our royal family to some degree.”

Bev Brogan, who helps organise the charity’s weekly meet up, described their celebration as a “warm up” to the big day.

People tucked into lunches from The Beulah to the sounds of Doris Day and Elvis, performed by musical duo Cliffe and Janine. 

“It’s nice to do something different for them and it’s in advance of the weekend, it’s a bit like a warm up,” Bev said.