A VETERAN has been crowned King complete with robes and crown on his 100th birthday as Britain celebrated the coronation of King Charles III.

Former Buckingham Palace guard Geoff Bailey marked the occasion surrounded by family - and clutching a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Staff at Abbey House care home in Netley Abbey put on the surprise party for the long-retired British Army reservist, who formerly lived in Hamble.

On turning a century old, Geoff told the Echo: "Today is a really special day.

"I didn't think I'd be 100 but to celebrate on the day of the coronation is really special."

Staff believe his secret to a long life is his twice-daily helping of cornflakes - and he was gifted a box of cereal and a bowl as a birthday gift.

Staffordshire-born Geoff, who was an engineer with British Aerospace, stood guard outside Buckingham Palace in the 1940s as part of his military service.

Daily Echo: Geoff Bailey presented with a cake by Sarah Hartley activities coordinator at Abbey House nursing home.Geoff Bailey presented with a cake by Sarah Hartley activities coordinator at Abbey House nursing home. (Image: Matt Davey)

He met his wife Traute - who sadly died in 2000 - while stationed in Germany with the armed forces.

The pair had two daughters and a son, and Geoff now has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Geoff's youngest grandson Jordan Bailey, 33, said: "He's wonderful and I love him so much. He's even built most of the furniture in my house.

"If you can make it, Geoff built it and if he didn't have the tool for it he'd build the right tool.

"I'm just so happy we get to celebrate today with him."

He added: "During the 1940s he was on guard duty outside of Buckingham Palace, so it couldn't be more appropriate to celebrate his 100th birthday on today of all days."

Care home residents, staff and Geoff's family enjoyed a buffet, games and activities.

Sarah Hartley, 56, activities coordinator at Abbey House, added: "It's always special for someone to celebrate their 100th birthday but for Geoff to celebrate his on the day of the coronation is extra special.

"Today was a complete surprise to him. So it's something his family and fellow residents have been looking forward to and they can join in during the festivities.

"We've dressed Geoff up as he's our King for the day! It's all in good spirits."

She added: "On Thursday we received a letter from His Majesty addressed to Geoff, wishing him a happy 100th birthday.

"He opened it today and he just couldn't believe it. I think he keeps looking at it thinking  'is that for me?'"