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Former children’s TV presenter Baroness Floella Benjamin chosen to carry Sovereign’s Sceptre -Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
‘I feel honoured and privileged to be part of the historic coronation ceremony.’
Baroness Floella Benjamin has landed a starring role in the Coronation (Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Former children’s TV presenter Baroness Floella Benjamin has landed a starring role during King Charles III’s Coronation.
The author and peer, who has a five-decade-strong career in showbusiness, has been chosen to carry the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove.
Baroness Benjamin is among more than 50 people chosen to take part in the historic proceedings, including representatives from orders of chivalry, the military and wider public life.
Arriving at Westminster Abbey today, Baroness Benjamin wore regal red and gold robes with a tiara complimenting her jewelled necklace and bright earrings.
The former Play School presenter said: ‘I feel honoured and privileged to be part of the historic coronation ceremony.
‘To be selected to carry the Sovereign’s Sceptre With Dove, which represents spirituality, equity and mercy, is for me very symbolic as it’s everything I stand for and sends out a clear message that diversity and inclusion is being embraced.’
Baroness Benjamin, who chaired the Windrush Commemoration Committee, carries the sceptre traditionally known as the Rod Of Equity And Mercy, which represents his spiritual role.
Baroness Floella Benjamin has been chosen to carry the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove (Picture: PA)
She arrived at Westminster Abbey in adorned red robes (Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
Born in Trinidad, Baroness Benjamin, 73, arrived as a Windrush child aged 10.
She now sits in the House of Lords as Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham.
In 2004, Baroness Benjamin received a Bafta Special Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to television, before being chosen that same year to run the Olympic torch through Peckham.
As well as presenting Play School, she has fronted children’s programmes including Jamboree, Fast Forward and Play Away since 1976.
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The historic Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place in Westminster Abbey today (May 6).
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Talking about her spells on screen and becoming a pioneering black female presenter, Baroness Benjamin wrote on her website: ‘At the same time I was appearing in Playschool but no one recognised me as I wore a wig over my blue beads which was my trade mark at that time.
‘I was the first person in Britain to wear beads back in the 70’s now it is an accepted fashion. I did Playschool for 12 wonderful years and loved every moment of it.
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‘Working for and with kids is the best job in the world. It’s also like an insurance policy they grow up being faithful to you.’
After spells on the West End, Baroness Benjamin has starred in pantomimes, and made guest appearances in the Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures.
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