Final preparations are being made for the coronation of King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, on Saturday.
Our final Community Rail Coronation Connection looks at the town of Bognor Regis on the Arun Valley Line.
So who put the “Regis” into the town’s name?
The Duke and Duchess of York visited the town in 1900 to open two convalescent homes. They returned in 1929 as King George V and Queen Mary, as Bognor was chosen as the favoured place for King George V to convalesce. He and the Queen stayed for four months.
A long line of Royal visitors came to Bognor – including the King’s three-year-old granddaughter, Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II.
The greatest accolade for the town came in June 1929 when the King approved the suffix “Regis” and, as a result, Bognor became known as ”Bognor Regis”.
Bognor Regis is home to award-winning beaches, amusement arcades and plenty of traditional seaside fun. The town’s royal connections and Butlin’s holiday camp mean that Bognor Regis has become an archetypal seaside resort and thanks to its sunny weather and mild climate there are plenty of things to do in Bognor Regis for all the family.
The current King has a long-standing commitment to the environment and we are highlighting the green credentials of rail travel.
Taking a train from central London to Bognor Regis emits 70% less in greenhouse gases than driving a petrol car on the same route.
Please check with Southern for train times and check venues in Bognor Regis for directions and opening times.
