More than 1.2 million people are expected to fill the streets of London on Saturday, May 6, to celebrate the King's Coronation and witness a monumental moment in history.
Tony Oakley will be one of 22 prison officers lining the route south of Trafalgar Square during the parade, forming part of the Civilian Services Contingent standing in uniform.
The 61-year-old feels incredibly honoured and delighted to have a small but special role in the crowing of The King and Queen Consort Camilla to mark their reign.
The day of the Coronation will be an emotional and proud one for Tony, who will be working in honour of a very important family member close to his heart - his father.
Roy Oakley joined the prison service in 1972 and served his entire career - over 25 years - at HMP Stoke Heath. He inspired his son Tony to join the force in 1999.
"Sadly, my dad died a year after I joined the prison, but we got to work together for a short while which was special. I've always used his key chain - which had a brass number tag labelled 30 - to remind me of him," Tony told the Mirror.
Two years ago, Tony trekked to Everest Base Camp as a tribute to his late father and laid his key chain to rest, overlooking the Khumbu Glacier.
"I think my father would have been quietly proud. I have no doubt that he was watching down over us," Tony said.
Roy will be looking over his son once again on Saturday, and Tony believes he'd be very proud of his involvement in the Coronation.
"My father would be immensely proud. He was very much a royalist and loved being on parade in uniform," Tony said.
"I went to Buckingham Palace when my father received an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for his services to charity."
Tony will be tasked with lining the route for the Coronation to protect His Majesty, the Queen Consort, those taking part in the procession and the public.
"It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be on parade for my King and Queen, whilst representing the prison service with the eyes of the world watching," Tony said.
"Prison officers play a vital role in protecting the public and reducing reoffending but it is often hidden behind the prison walls.
"I'm delighted to be raising awareness of the important work we do and representing all my colleagues alongside other uniformed services on such a special day."
To find out more about becoming a prison officer, you can visit the HMPPS website.
