Attlee does mouse check ahead of coronation

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the British House of Commons Speaker, has a number of politically named pets, including Maggie the tortoise and Boris the parrot.

As preparations werenalised across Britain to ensure events surrounding King Charles’ coronation go smoothly, Westminster is no exception.

Among those working to get the parliamentary estate in order is Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s menagerie, which has been brought down to London from his home in Lancashire.

Attlee, the cat, has carried out a mouse check ahead of the royal reception, while Boris, the parrot, has been “shouting quite loudly”.

“We’ve been trying to get him to sing God Save e King,” Sir Lindsay revealed.

“He’s been listening very carefully. Attlee has been going round to check there aren’t any mice around and there were absolutely none.” e hard work is likely to pay o , the Speaker suggested, adding: “ ey may be getting coronation strawberries.”

Animal-loving Sir Lindsay has a number of pets, including Maggie, the tortoise – who is “not for turning” – and a dog, Betty, named after his late predecessor Baroness Betty Boothroyd.

It came ahead of Charles and Camilla attending a celebratory reception in the Palace of Westminster just four days before the historic ceremony on Saturday, May 6. ey will be hosted by Sir Lindsay as they gather with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer in Westminster

Hall. e hall, which is the oldest building on the parliamentary estate, was where thousands of mourners led past while the co n of the Queen was lying in state in September.

It used to be the scene of coronation banquets, and was where monarchs were presented with the coronation regalia before their procession to the Abbey, but both ceremonies have not been staged since George IV’s extravagant coronation in 1821.

Sir Lindsay said it was a “wonderful privilege” to be invited to the ceremony –though his menagerie did not make the guest-list.

He will attend the abbey on Saturday in full ceremonial dress, including the Speaker’s historic Honiton lace jabot and cu s.

Sir Lindsay described the modern constitutional monarchy as a “grown-up recognition of democracy in this country” and said he looks forward to Charles’ reign.

“I have never known the monarch to object to what the House of Commons does. I never, ever see that happening.

“What I see is a grown-up recognition of democracy in this country, that we still have a monarch that plays his part,” Sir Lindsay said.

“I’ve got to say, what a privilege that we’ve got the sadness of Her Majesty, but we’ve now got the sunrise of a new King coming.”