Why is Floella Benjamin part of the coronation?

Dame Floella Benjamin, a former presenter of children’s TV shows such as Play School, was a featured guest at Charles III and Camilla’s Coronation on Saturday.

During the ceremony, Floella Benjamin carried the King’s sceptre, also known as the Rod of Equity and Mercy, which represents his spiritual role.

Benjamin, 71, received an OBE in 2001 and was a close friend of the late Queen and other British royals.

She has been praised for carrying the sceptre elegantly ahead of King Charles’ arrival at the ceremony.

The baroness was photographed wearing a regal-red floor-length gown as she made her way to the front of the service to perform her duties.

Prior to the coronation, she 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.”