It’s been a frantic 10 days for Genevieve Irvine. Searching in magazines and online, travelling round shops, decisions on whether to wear a hat or fascinator, and what shoes to wear for a long day in the spotlight.
Was it a joke or was the email from King Charles’s staff actually true?
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when the email arrived inviting me to his coronation but my friend Katherine said she thought it was genuine and I should confirm it with the palace, which I did. Then I began to think what to do.
“I researched what people wore at these events, decided on a dress and drove to Ballyshannon and saw the very one in the first shop, cream with pink roses, midi-length and long sleeves. Then on to the shoe shop in Monaghan, the first pair I saw were just right.”