Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

NEWS > Alumnae News > A Bird's Eye View of History

A Bird's Eye View of History

On Coronation Day, Strategic Communications Adviser Katie Blake, Class of 2004, had a ringside view of arrivals and departures at Westminster Abbey, thanks to her role with US TV network CBS.

“Having started out my career working for Historic Royal Palaces, I’m a huge fan of the royal family, so it was just amazing to be so close, a real pinch me moment. As a PR, I deal with journalists every day, so it was fascinating to be on the other side and peak behind the curtains at a global event to see history in the making.”

Katie first worked with CBS in 2011 when she was based at the Tower of London when William and Kate got married. A last-minute flight cancellation left the broadcaster short of staff, so she stepped in to fill the breach. Since then, she has worked with them on all major royal events, including the wedding of Harry and Megan and the Queen’s funeral.

At the Coronation, her role as site manager based on the balcony of Methodist Central Hall opposite the Abbey, saw her ensuring a glitch-free 48 hours of tense production with the live feed to America.

Katie used her extensive network of contacts to help with fact checking and running orders, and put her cool head to good use problem-solving last-minute issues like procuring gaffer tape to secure cabling or finding TV anchors who had gone AWOL just minutes before talking live to the nation.

“It was stressful,” she concedes, “But to be honest, it was like a holiday from my day job! It’s always wonderful to be a part of such a professional team, who really care about getting it right. And, as a big royalist, it is such an honour to be a part of those big royal moments. That really is the icing on the cake.”

Katie adds: “I’d really recommend that pupils show a bit of gumption and get work experience shadowing someone in an industry they’re interested in.  It’s an invaluable way to start to build contacts and find out your passions. And you never know where it might lead.”

 

Similar stories

Show some LEH love for History of Art teacher, Aleid Farnum-Ford, who is taking on the Lake District 10 Peaks challenge in aid of the World Wildlife Fund on Saturday 28th September… More...

We are quite simply oar-struck by the incredible achievement of Charlotte Irving, Class of 2008, who smashed the men’s P… More...

Everyone at LEH - be it your former teachers, fellow alumnae or current pupils - delight in hearing your news. Email alu… More...

We're throwing open our doors to welcome you back for the Alumnae Reunion on Saturday 5th October, so come and relive yo… More...

This year we are excited to be able to offer our former pupils a chance to share their career expertise and real-world k… More...

Most read

Last term we bid a fond farewell to Lisa Garcia, Head of RS and Philosophy, after 14 years. She will be much missed by former colleagues and pupils al… More...

LEH students at both A level and GCSE achieved wonderful results this summer, including the Dawes twins (pictured) who received four A* A levels apiec… More...

This year we are excited to be able to offer our former pupils a chance to share their career expertise and real-world knowledge with our current Sixt… More...

Travel Story Award

 

CONTACT US


Lady Eleanor Holles School
Hanworth Road
Hampton, TW13 3HF

0208 979 1601
alumnae@lehs.org.uk

LEGAL

This website is powered by
ToucanTech