Stevenage mum heading for royal burial event says: I’ll be saying a prayer for the lost princes, too

Skull of King Richard III. Photo courtesy of University of Leicester (Image: University of Leicester)

Catherine, 34, of Wisden Road, Stevenage, secured a prized invitation after more than 13,500 people took part in a ballot for 600 public places at three services to mark the king’s life.

The monarch’s remains were discovered in an unmarked grave two years ago, more than 500 years after he died at the Battle of Bosworth.

The mum of two said: ‘As a Leicestershire lass, I grew up visiting the battlefield where Richard lost his life.

“He was the last English king to die in battle and it had always been rumoured that he was buried somewhere in the Greyfriars area of Leicester, which had long since been built over.

Richard III (Image: Archant)

“I’ve taken part in archaeological digs in the past, and it was incredible when the king’s remains were found under a car park.”

Catherine will be attending the final service for the king the day after his funeral, when the mood will move from reflection to celebration. Guests have been asked to wear bright colours.

She said: “I am looking forward to the service and seeing Richard’s tomb for the first time.

“Obviously he is a controversial figure in our history, with many historians believing that he ordered the murder of his nephews so he could become king.

“We still don’t know what happened to the boys, so I’ll be thinking of them, too, and praying that their bodies might also be discovered after all these years, so they can also have a fitting burial.”