County Durham’s biggest monarchist has revealed how she is preparing for the Coronation of King Charles III.

Anita Atkinson is well-known in the area for her love of everything royal-related. She will be heading to London a few days before the big event.

She has designed Coronation T-shirts, as well as adding to her collection of royal memorabilia with King Charles III-themed coasters, spoons, and trinkets, and The Northern Echo headed to the farm in Weardale to have a look.

Ms Atkinson said: “I designed these T-shirts and had them made by my friend Sue Powley. I’ve got my train ticket booked to go to London, I’m going the Saturday before so I’ll have the whole week so I’ll have a chance to figure out where’s the best place to stand and what the route will be.

The Northern Echo: Anita has recently added to her growing collection of royal memorabilia. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestAnita has recently added to her growing collection of royal memorabilia. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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“He’s (Charles) got a hard act to follow. People will say he’s had a long apprenticeship, but he hasn’t because it’s a very lonely job being a monarch.

“You can’t have other people to help you, for instance, I’m quite sure he’s never seen inside the red boxes of state before he became King because the Queen never even allowed her husband to because it’s for the monarch’s eyes only. He’s already making it his own, he’s modernising it.

“The monarchy does change. The wheels of the monarchy move slowly. It’ll never catch up. It’ll never become ultra-modern, and we don’t want it to be.

“The thing about the British people is we want the pomp. We want all the splendour. We’re good at it, we’re the best at it in the world. We don’t want Charles cycling up a mile to the palace, we want him to go in a golden coach. That’s what everyone wants to see.

The Northern Echo: Anita is of the UK's biggest monarchists. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestAnita is of the UK's biggest monarchists. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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“I hope the media focuses more on what he’s trying to do and get that in the press, about the environment, about agriculture, about rural affairs, to help people in rural areas.”

Ms Atkinson opens her museum of royal treasures, memorabilia and artefacts to the public sometimes, and she has been offering afternoon teas for visitors to enjoy after enjoying her colossal displays.

The Northern Echo: A section of Anita's museum is dedicated to King Charles III. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestA section of Anita's museum is dedicated to King Charles III. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Anita Atkinson and her family sporting their Coronation T-shirts that Anita designed. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestAnita Atkinson and her family sporting their Coronation T-shirts that Anita designed. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Anita will be making her way to London a week before the Coronation. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestAnita will be making her way to London a week before the Coronation. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)