Toowoomba royal collector, monarchist Kerrie Whitley excited to watch King Charles III’s Coronation as percussionist Jamie Nuss set to perform at event

History will be made this weekend when King Charles III becomes the oldest British monarch to take the throne at his coronation, seven decades after his mother did. Here’s everything you need to know about the royal event in Toowoomba.

Kerrie Whitley with her extensive collection of royal memorabilia, Sunday, September 11, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Seven decades ago, nearly 300 million viewers across the world turned on their television sets to watch Queen Elizabeth II crowned at Westminster Abbey.

History will now be made this weekend when her son King Charles III becomes the oldest British monarch to take the throne at his coronation.

Proud Toowoomba royalist Kerrie Whitley, 70, who owns a collection with more than 10,000 pieces of royal memorabilia, plans to watch the big event from the comfort of her living room.

1953 – Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey during her coronation, 2nd June 1953. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

“(My husband and I) will have two televisions going with different channels going and I’ll tape it just in case I want to go back and watch it again,” she said.

“For me and people my age this may well be the only coronation we ever witness so it’s history in the making.”

Ms Whitley was born in October 1953, just four months after the Queen’s Coronation.

The event left such a prominent mark on her parents that they gave Ms Whitley the middle name Elizabeth in the Queen’s honour.

Referring to her memorabilia museum as her “little bit of paradise”, Ms Whitley said one of her favourite pieces was a crocheted profile of the Queen’s head made by her late mother.

Despite the controversy which has plagued the royal family over the years, the Toowoomba monarchist said she had high hopes for the new King.

Kerrie Whitley with her extensive collection of royal memorabilia. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I loved Diana and there were three people in the marriage – but my opinion has changed because Camilla has put so much effort into her role as Duchess of Cornwall,” Ms Whitley said.

“Camilla will be an empathetic Queen and have a much better understanding of how (the public) think because she wasn’t born into the royal family, so between the two of them I think they will do the job well.

“I will always be a monarchist but I think people can still be a republican and have respect for the Crown.”

A hand crocheted portrait is a favourite item for Kerrie Whitley in her extensive collection of royal memorabilia. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba percussionist appears on global stage

A piece of Toowoomba will also feature at the royal event when Toowoomba percussionist Jamie Nuss will perform with the British Army brass band.

The 34-year-old musician’s father Mark Nuss said his son would perform in the procession following the coronation ceremony.

“We were both members of the Toowoomba Municipal Band so that was Jamie’s training ground before he moved to the UK,” Mr Nuss said.

“I remember when he was about seven years old, he would march with the band and hold the sign at the front so we’re very proud.”

Percussionist Jamie Nuss will perform with the British Army brass band after the Coronation of King Charles III. Picture: contributed

Mr Nuss said the family planned to watch the live broadcast on television and hoped Jamie may appear on the screen during the performance.

It comes after the percussionist also performed at the Queen’s funeral in September.

“It’s pretty rare for a musician especially from Toowoomba to be involved in two major royal events in the space of just eight months,” Mr Nuss said.

Royal fan John Loughrey poses for a photograph as she camps out in the royal 'superfans' camp on The Mall ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, which takes place on May 6th. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

How to watch the Coronation of King Charles III

Millions are expected to watch the event across the world with several channels airing coverage across the weekend.

The coronation will be held inside Westminster Abbey at 11am (London time) and 8pm (AEST) on Saturday.

Australian viewers can watch broadcasts on Sky News at 4pm, Channel 9 and the ABC from 5pm or Channel 10 at 6pm and Channel 7 at 7pm.