The Privy Council dates back to the 13th century and performs an ancient and ceremonial role, its formal function being to advise the monarch.

It was in that capacity that I had been invited to the Coronation. However, the proudest moment of my parliamentary career was the day in September 2021 when I was sworn in by the late Queen as a Privy Councillor. While at the DCMS, I oversaw both the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations and last summer's Commonwealth Games - while ensuring that preparations for the Queen's eventual funeral were in place before I left. Nadine Dorries (pictured) was 'thrilled' when she received an invitation to the Coronation but wondered if she would be 'taking the place of someone more deserving' I've had to prove my worthiness and ability every step of the way, she reminded me. I was not cut from the Oxbridge PPE cloth that gave others automatic ascension during the time of Cameron and Osborne. I worked my way up through the ranks: from committee chairwoman on the Speaker's Panel to junior minister, Minister of State and then Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). I've been an MP for 17 years, she argued. It took the reassurance of a trusted friend to convince me I should accept. There was a feeling that the essence of our heritage was being eroded to make way for some far less worthy to attend - namely, MPs. I knew hereditary peers had missed out, even those whose forebears had undertaken ceremonial roles at coronations down the generations.

Would I be taking the place of someone more deserving?

When I received an invitation, I was thrilled - but pondered hard on my response. For jubilees, royal weddings and funerals, the best china is dusted off, tea from Fortnum & Mason ordered, bunting hung (if appropriate) and furniture rearranged to give everyone a good view of the TV. On big national occasions, my family - like millions of others - want to be together.

Sworn sword a novel james aitcheson