Bournemouth MP Conor Burns says he has a “huge sense of pride” at being invited to attend the King’s Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

The Conservative MP said the opportunity to be present at the historic occasion came as a surprise, with a special thanks to the team at the post office in Westbourne.

Mr Burns will join prime minister Rishi Sunak and a host of other dignitaries for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Saturday, May 6.

Asked what it meant to be invited, Mr Burns told the Daily Echo: “Just a huge sense of pride and humility on a personal level.

“As a wee lad from the Antrim Road [near Belfast], going to the coronation of the King is special.

“There is a real pride in representing the people of Bournemouth West.

"For the coronation the whole world will be looking at it. It is probably the most inclusive and diverse state occasion.”

Bournemouth Echo: Conor Burns MPConor Burns MP

Explaining how he was made aware of his invitation, he said: “When I first saw the envelope I did not know what it was. I have a good relationship with the post office delivery team in Westbourne.

“I called in when I got the red delivery card. They said it was already back out for delivery but you really do need to sign for this one.”

On a closer inspection the postmark for Buckingham Palace hinted at what was inside the large white envelope.

After attending the coronation on Saturday, Mr Burns said he was looking forward to coming back and joining residents at street parties in his Bournemouth West constituency.

Mr Burns said he met the late Queen on several occasions, including in his time on Her Majesty’s most Honourable Privy Council.