A SOUTH Essex MP has shaken the hand of the King and Queen Consort ahead of the coronation. 

Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, has also thanked King Charles III for bestowing city status upon Southend last year. 

She met King Charles and the Queen Consort yesterday at Westminster Hall just days before the coronation. 

Ms Firth claims King Charles even asked her how Southend has been going since being granted city status. 

She said: "It was an honour to welcome the King and Queen Consort to Westminster Hall.

"I had the privilege to meet His Majesty twice today and had an enjoyable conversation with him both times.

"I thanked him for bestowing city status upon Southend last March, and he asked me how it was going - I told him we wanted him to come and visit us again.

"I was once again struck by the kindness and approachability of His Majesty and his desire to have a meaningful conversation with everyone in the room.

"I look forward to watching the Coronation this Saturday along with millions of other Britons as we usher in a new era for Great Britain, and I shall be celebrating with people across the community in Southend."