Pinay nurse shares 'surreal' experience at King Charles III's coronation
UK-based Filipina manager Xyza Macutay-Malloch was one of the lucky individuals who witness the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla inside the Westimnster Abbey in London.
Macutay-Malloch, a nursing home manager at the Cotsworld Nursing Home Company and British Empire Medal (BEM) awardee, attended the invite-only historical event last May 6, along with high profiles, celebrities, politicians, and more.
Recounting the momentous occasion to PhilSTAR L!fe, Macutay-Malloch said she stood in queue as early as 6:30 a.m. to get good seats inside the church, but didn't mind the wait until the program started at around 11 a.m.
"There was so much to take in at the Abbey whilst waiting for the ceremony and we were serenaded with beautiful music from the orchestra and choir," she shared, saying she enjoyed people-watching and looking at the beautiful ceremonial outfits.
Her experience was made even more memorable as she was able to take selfies with British TV duo, Ant & Dec, and singers and American Idol judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.
"I couldn't help but admire their friendliness and patience as they accommodated everyone who wanted to take a selfie with them," she said.
When the time came for King Charles III to arrive, Macutay-Malloch admitted she got awestruck upon seeing the King.
"I did the best curtsey I can possibly do and it was a surreal experience," the nurse said.
The nurse said that the feeling sank in when they all chanted "God save King Charles."
"I felt goosebumps. It's definitely very different from watching it on TV!"
Macutay-Malloch is very grateful for having been invited to this once-in-a-lifetime event.
"I felt really honoured and blessed. I am also very proud to represent both of my nations in such a moment of history, and it is a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life," she added.
The nurse also shared that she spotted fellow Pinay nurse and BEM awardee Charito Romano, who was seated in the front row.
"It was [my] first time to meet Ate Charito and she was kind and very friendly," Macutay-Malloch told L!fe, adding that she also spotted another kababayan, but didn't have the chance to talk to her.
Macutay-Malloch was included in the 2021 New Year's Honours List, which "recognises people who have made achievements in public life [and/or] committed themselves to serving and helping the UK."
She has also been awarded a BEM by the late Queen Elizabeth II for the services she has made during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she oversaw a nursing home.
"It was a difficult task but with the help of my wonderful team we have done it," she said.
Currently, she runs and manages a nursing home in southwest England -Tetbury, Gloucestershire, where she had been working for more than a decade.