Royalists chuffed for local high tea celebrations ahead of coronation

Some Saskatoon residents enjoyed getting all dolled up in anticipation of the King’s coronation this weekend.

Marlene Smele and her husband, Reg Wickett, were among those to partake in a special high tea served at Churchill’s British Imports this week.

Smele described the tea as “fabulous,” and raved about the perfectly authentic scone recipe served.

Donning her fancy hat that she purchased for the Queen’s visit to Saskatchewan for the province’s 100th anniversary, Smele joked their invitation to the coronation of King Charles III must have got lost in the mail.

Smele and Wickett spent a few years living in England, where Wickett was born and lived until the age of three. After retiring from the University of Saskatchewan, Wickett was offered a chance to teach education and consult on curriculum development at Cambridge University for five years.

Wickett said he still holds both U.K. and Canadian citizenship and always enjoys a chance to return to England.

The couple was joined at the tea — which featured scones, various types of dainty sandwiches, tarts and cream puffs, served on special china — by their friend Marilyn Macdonald.

“It’s great to have friends who live (in England), I tell you,” Macdonald said, sharing a laugh with Smele.

Macdonald said celebrating the upcoming coronation at the tea was an homage, not just to the new King, but to Queen Elizabeth II. She said it gave them an opportunity to pay their respects.

She added the opportunity to dress up is always welcomed. Macdonald’s mother was English, too, and the tablemates were admiring the china their tea was served in.

“It’s nostalgic,” Macdonald said.

A table away, Joyce Hope, Susan Allport and Leslie Dyrland were enjoying their tea. The trio of friends travelled more than two hours from Kyle to partake at Churchill’s.

Hope said they identify as royalists and when she saw the Coronation Tea advertised, they knew they had to take a road trip to Saskatoon to enjoy it.

They said the tea was “delicious.”

“I’ve been to Butchart Gardens and this was just as nice,” Hope said, praising the event.

Attending a high tea was on Allport’s bucket list for years.

“It was definitely worth the drive,” she said, though she joked that she’s hesitant to cross it off her bucket list.

“I’ll have to come again,” she quipped.

Tony Badger, Churchill’s owner, said he’s looking forward to seeing the first coronation in his lifetime, though he won’t be staying up himself to watch it.

He’s looking forward to seeing the highlights and hearing from his customers about it.

“Brits being as they are, everyone will be expressing their opinion when they come in,” Badger said. “I think though, as always, the nation will get behind it and hopefully it’s a lovely day.”

Badger said great pomp and circumstance is expected, along with great celebration.

The high tea for his customers came about after many had requested that his shop host such an event. He figured tying it to such a major event would be apt.

Badger said it’s been very well-received and supported. Scones have been one of his bestsellers and business has picked up over the past week and a half, Badger said, with people preparing to watch the coronation.

“What could be better than watching the coronation with a good cup of tea and a scone, clotted cream and jam?” he said, adding he’s glad for his shop’s ample supply of clotted cream.

“I think it’s celebration and it’s something that so many people have never seen in their lifetime. To experience it firsthand is just something you never forget.”