A Swindon woman who won a ticket to the Platinum Jubilee Party at the Palace has reflected on the occasion in light of Her Majesty's death.

Jane Scerri was shocked to discover she would be going to Buckingham Palace with 4,999 other lucky guests to watch a star-studded special concert celebrating 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

Four months later, she is now - like all of us - processing the sad news of the monarch's death.

The 60-year-old told the Adver: "I've been looking through my photos and they're full of sunny days, Union Jack flags, smiling faces, and people in weird and wonderful costumes.

"Then I think of The Mall as it is now, full of flowers and tributes, and the procession through the streets - the contrast is so moving.

"I feel very proud to have represented Swindon at our late Queen's last party - not many people can say they were there.

"I had a fantastic time, everyone was absolutely wonderful, they felt like family. I couldn't believe I went on my own but people were so friendly and happy to chat and laugh.

"I was sat there with a silver blanket to keep warm and wristbands which lit up to match a display, it was wonderful."

She remembers one striking moment when a ray of light shot down from between the clouds, hit the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace and was then reflected into the historic building.

Swindon Advertiser: Jane ScerriJane Scerri (Image: Jane Scerri)

Jane later saw a photo published in the tabloids of another precise sunbeam landing on the Queen's coffin during its procession through Scotland, and took this to be a similar sign from God.

She added: "Like most people, I have been through a phase where I questioned the necessity of the monarchy - but over time, I have become a bit of a royalist.

"I would not have wanted her job for all the money in the world. She did amazingly and was an inspirational woman in a man's world.

"My greatest pleasure is sharing all this history with my young granddaughter who goes to school in the Rodbourne Cheney area.

"She has her own history with the Queen - I took her to Buckingham Palace aged four via Paddington station, where she used her pocket money to buy an official Paddington Bear, which is now synonymous with Her Majesty."

Swindon Advertiser: Jane ScerriJane Scerri (Image: Jane Scerri)