Holbeach’s Sharon Ingle, an RAF squadron leader, attends special reception hosted by HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla

An RAF officer has spoken of her pride at attending a special reception hosted by HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla in recognition of her contribution to three historic royal events.

Squadron leader Sharon Ingle, 44, who grew up in Holbeach, led the Commonwealth liaison team, which was responsible for looking after the Commonwealth personnel who attended Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, her state funeral and the King’s Coronation.

Sqn Ldr Ingle, an instructor based at RAF Cranwell, was one of 250 people invited to the Buckingham Palace reception last month, where she chatted to the King and other guests.

“When I found out I had been invited, it’s one of the few times I’ve been left speechless,” said the former Spalding High School student. “There were only four people from the RAF there – names were put forward and then the King and Queen chose who actually got to attend. It was all a bit surreal.

“There were four state rooms open and we mingled amongst ourselves. There was such a mix of people – including members of the Royal Embroidery Society and representatives from London Fire Brigade - it was wonderful to meet them and find out about their roles too.

“I was introduced to the King, and we shook hands. He asked me about my involvement in the events and where I was based, and we talked about Cranwell as he did his flight training there.

“I wasn’t too nervous, I told myself that he is just a person too. The time I spent with him seemed to go by so quickly, yet it also went in slow motion too.’

Sqn Ldr Ingle said she wanted to be involved in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations because it was such a historic event. The tri-forces Commonwealth liaison team was responsible for ensuring the 438 Commonwealth guests were greeted at the airport, had everything they needed and were in the right place at the right time for rehearsals and events, as well as liaising with the Royal Logistic Corps.

Following her work for the jubilee, Sqn Ldr Ingle was invited back to reprise the role for the Queen’s state funeral and her involvement was requested at the King’s coronation in May.

“I was very privileged to be involved in all three events,’ she added, ‘it really was a once in a career - once in a lifetime opportunity - to be able to see behind the scenes at these historic occasions and play a small part in their organisation.

“They were all very different; after the celebrations of the jubilee the state funeral was very sombre while the Coronation was a mix of both.

“I was proud to be part of them. It was great to have the opportunity to work with different teams, as well as those from different nations and different cultures.

“But I couldn’t have achieved any of this without the support of my team, as without a team there isn’t a leader.”