Maureen Nolan, 69, has weighed in on sister Coleen Nolan’s views about King Charles III’s Coronation.
Back in May, the Loose Women panellist said that while she appreciates the royals and watched the historic event, the cost of the ceremony made her feel “uncomfortable” due to the “state” of the economy.
She explained further: “My sister [Linda] who is as we know very ill, had to go to hospital and was in A&E for 20 hours before anyone saw her.
“And of course, then I’m watching this spectacle go and it’s all very well saying it brought in £300million in for that sector, can we please bring that in for the NHS? People are dying because the NHS is broken right now.”
Coleen added: “Through the whole thing this weekend, I felt really uncomfortable I have to say.
“And that’s because of the state that we’re all in and the economy and the fact that people are struggling to eat.”
In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, Coleen’s sister Maureen agreed money needed to be spent “in a better way”, but acknowledged the Coronation “made millons of people happy”.
She added: “I know the royal family do bring billions into the country don’t they, so there’s an argument for both sides.
“Of course people are struggling like mad to pay their food bills and stuff so it does seem a bit extreme.
“It doesn’t help to commit myself to either side of the argument. I kind of agree with both sides.
“I am a royalist as I say, but there has to come a time where we spend the money in a better way perhaps.”
The Coronation and the three days of celebrations surrounding it are thought to have cost between £50-£100million, despite proceedings being scaled back.
King Charles reportedly requested a “shorter, smaller, less expensive and more representative” ceremony, as part of his wider plans for a slimmed down monarchy.
Maureen said the monarch was “one of the best royals for being aware” of the costs and environmental issues, adding: “He is the King of England, it would be such a shame if we lose that. We’re famous for it aren’t we?
“People in other countries are really envious about our royal family and stuff.”
Maureen is currently a part of Calendar Girls: The Musical, touring nationwide.
The shows will continue across 2024, with further dates and casting to be announced.
To find out more information, visit the website.
Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV.
