A slew of dignitaries and VIP visitors will attend KING Charles’ Coronation.
Those invited to take part in this historic event at Westminster Abbey have been chosen for their contribution to the United Kingdom, including Christopher Finney.
Who is Christopher Finney?
Christopher Finney, born on May 23, 1984, is a former British soldier of the Blues and Royals.
He is well known for receiving the George Cross, which is awarded for extraordinary courage.
Christopher was born in Marple, near Stockport, and later moved to Dorset.
In September 2000, he joined the British Army, and his first military deployment was during the Iraq war.
On October 31, 2003, Christopher was awarded the George Cross for bravery under friendly fire while serving with the Blues and Royals regiment during the Iraq war.
He was the youngest serviceman in the British Armed Forces to win such an honour at the time.
On March 28, 2003, the Scimitar armoured vehicle he was driving was attacked in a friendly fire incident by a pair of American ground attack aircraft.
Despite being hit by the attacking aircraft, Christopher managed to save several of his comrades.
He became chairman of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association in 2022.
Christopher will serve in a ceremonial capacity at King Charles’ coronation on May 6, 2023.
He has been designated as the “representative of those who serve the Crown” as chair of the VCGCA.
As part of the first section of the service, named the Recognition, he will be accompanied by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Baroness Valerie Amos, and Lady Elish Angiolini.
At the opening of the Westminster Abbey liturgy, King Charles will be introduced to the congregation here.
Christopher lives in Cornwall with his wife, Liz.
The couple has two daughters together.
Goonhavern Garden Centre and Chacewater Garden Centre are owned and operated by Christopher and Liz.