Witnessing the coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey was a “surreal experience” for a Bournemouth MP.

Conor Burns was invited to attend the historic ceremony in London on Saturday morning.

The Conservative politician, who represents the Bournemouth West constituency, joined hundreds of other public figures and dignitaries to see the King being crowned by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

Speaking to the Daily Echo about the ceremony, Mr Burns said: “It was a surreal experience.

“I watched some of it back on television on Saturday night and you see a partial part of it when you in the abbey but it was an incredible experience to feel it in the confines of the abbey and the atmosphere is almost indescribable.

“It was a huge privilege to have a seat to watch unfolding history.”

Bournemouth Echo: King Charles III after being crowned with St Edward's Crown by The Archbishop of Canterbury the

He added: “Because one has not seen this before – the last coronation was 20 years before I was born – I am not sure I had a sense of what it would be like.

“I have been at other events such as state visits to parliament and Margaret Thatcher’s funeral that were in a sense part of history.

“I think Saturday was unique in the sense that it was making history.”

The King’s Coronation was watched by an average of 18 million viewers in the United Kingdom, overnight figures showed, while millions more around the world watched events unfold.

Bournemouth Echo: King Charles III wearing St Edward's Crown, and Queen Camilla wearing Queen Mary's Crown, with Lord

Mr Burns said the day was the “pinnacle” in terms of “ceremonial pomp” and the public aspect of being a member of parliament, but added: “In terms of the things I always remember more preciously, that will be the times I have been able to do stuff for people who had almost insurmountable problems which we have been able to help with.”

The former minister said he was “relishing” the opportunity to spend the rest of the bank holiday weekend attending street parties in and around his constituency.

North Dorset MP Simon Hoare was also present for the service in Westminster Abbey.

In a post on Twitter, Mr Hoare said he was “honoured” to be representing his constituents at the coronation.