Franstine Jones, the former president of the UK's National Black Police Association, has described being invited to the coronation of King Charles III as the “biggest recognition” of her work to ensure diversity in policing.
Ms Jones, who was the first woman to be elected NBPA president in 2013, was awarded a British Empire Medal last year for services to equality and diversity.
She currently heads BInspyred, which provides equality training, coaching, and mentoring for people from black, Asian, and other ethnic minority backgrounds.
Ms Jones expressed her pride at being invited to the coronation.
“I feel so honoured to get an invitation, it came right out of the blue and I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.
The grandmother added that the recognition allowed her to fulfil her purpose of trying to tackle racism.
“So to be recognised for that work, and also the work I do with supporting my community, advocating for them with regards to policing and with regards to employment law, those are really important,” she said.
Ms Jones noted the importance of the work she does with young people, saying her project is focused on having face-to-face contact and giving them coping skills and strategies to realise their potential.
She said the work she had done for the police as NBPA president was “the biggest recognition anyone could possibly get” and expressed her gratitude that she's valued for what she brings to the table.
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King Charles III's coronation will be held on Saturday, May 6 next year, Buckingham Palace has announced, eight months after the monarch’s accession and the death of Queen Elizabeth. Getty Images -
King Charles III salutes as he leaves Westminster Abbey following the state funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II. AP -
King Charles follows behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey. Reuters -
King Charles attends the state funeral of his mother. Reuters -
King Charles meets faith leaders during a reception at Buckingham Palace. Getty Images -
King Charles in silhouette at Buckingham Palace as he meets faith leaders. AFP -
King Charles attends a vigil alongside Queen Elizabeth's coffin inside Westminster Hall. Getty Images -
King Charles leaves following the Vigil of the Princes, during which he and his siblings stood watch over their mother Queen Elizabeth's coffin at Westminster Hall. Getty Images -
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla enter Westminster Hall as the coffin completes its journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. Getty Images -
King Charles follows the coffin of Queen Elizabeth as it is carried on a horse-drawn gun carriage of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, during the ceremonial procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. Reuters -
King Charles meets members of the public as he leaves the Senedd in Cardiff, Wales, after a visit to receive a Motion of Condolence following the death of Queen Elizabeth. PA -
King Charles meets troops during a reception at Hillsborough Castle, County Down, Northern Ireland. PA -
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla at Westminster Hall, London, where both Houses of Parliament met to express their condolences following the death of Queen Elizabeth. PA -
King Charles greets mourners as he walks by the gates of Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth. AP -
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla view floral tributes left outside Buckingham Palace. AP
Ms Jones is among over 450 BEM recipients who will be at Westminster Abbey on May 6 for the coronation of King Charles III. She has been asked to wear her medal to the service.
She said it was important to change people's mindsets and eliminate discrimination and racism.
“The training, the workshops, the work I do around equality and diversity is about me trying to change one person at a time because why I do what I do is to eliminate discrimination and racism,” she said.
