Queen Consort looking for ‘herculean’ volunteers to celebrate as part of Coronation

The Queen Consort is to honour the “herculean efforts” of 500 volunteers by naming them Coronation Champions.

Camilla on Monday launched a search for exceptional volunteers who have made a difference in their local communities by "achieving marvellous things”.

The winners will be invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party, and will receive a special pin and a certificate signed by the Queen Consort.

The initiative is being organised by Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), which is seeking volunteer nominations in eight award categories: supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; sustainability and the environment; and animal welfare.

In particular, it aims to celebrate and inspire the next generation of volunteers. Nominations are open to anyone aged 14 and over and judges will be on the lookout for rising stars to be named Young Coronation Champions.

The Queen Consort, patron of the RVS, said: “I am delighted to be launching the Coronation Champions Awards with the Royal Voluntary Service, to shine a light on the herculean efforts of our nation’s volunteers.

“Up and down the country, millions of unsung heroes are contributing to their local communities, giving generously of their time and their talents to enhance the lives of others.

“If you know a volunteer who is making a difference, please be sure to share their story. We would love to hear about them.”

Nominations close on April 2 and will be reviewed by a judging panel comprising volunteering experts, charity leaders and academics.

Decisions will be based on individuals’ impact, initiative, inspiration and involvement in volunteering over the last five years.

Bank Holiday

The project comes after Buckingham Palace announced that May 8, the Bank Holiday Monday following the Coronation, will be dedicated to bringing communities together through volunteering in an initiative called the Big Help Out.

The Coronation Champions Awards will be backed by celebrities including Dame Judi Dench, Elaine Paige, Nadiya Hussain, Tom Read Wilson and Felicity Kendal, who are named official supporters.

Catherine Johnstone, RVS chief executive, said: “Royal Voluntary Service volunteers are amongst the millions of big-hearted people who are doing incredible work in their communities, every single day.

“Together with Her Majesty The Queen Consort we are honouring those remarkable volunteers from all backgrounds, from all over the UK, and from a range of causes, who have made a real difference in recent years.

“I know from experience that volunteers don’t do what they do for praise or glory, but I also know that they absolutely deserve it.

“The Coronation is the perfect time for us to come together and really show volunteers just how much we appreciate everything they do for our health and happiness. Be sure to nominate your local heroes, as these awards are a wonderfully exciting opportunity for deserving volunteers to be commended and be part of history in the making.”

Dame Judi Dench

Dame Judi said: “The Coronation Champions Awards are not only a fitting tribute to Their Majesties’ own public service, but they are also a superb opportunity to pause and show our appreciation for the people who are achieving marvellous things through volunteering.

“Throughout my own work with charitable causes, I have seen how the power of volunteering can be invaluable and far-reaching. Therefore, I do sympathise with the award judges, who I predict will have quite a challenge on their hands in identifying Coronation Champions from what will inevitably be some phenomenal nominations.”

Ms Paige said she was “so excited” to be supporting the awards, having witnessed how invaluable volunteers are in our communities.

Ms Hussain said the initiative was “a wonderful way” to celebrate volunteers who generously give their time to help others.

To nominate a volunteer for the Coronation Champions Awards, visit: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/coronation-champions-awards