A PRUDHOE soldier was among 20 others to officially welcome King Charles III.

18-year-old Liam Potts joined other members of the Coldstream Guards - the oldest serving regiment of the British Army - at the former Prince of Wales' Proclamation at St James's Palace. 

When he was later on guard duty, His Majesty waved as his car stopped for the force to bear arms.

Liam, who is stationed at Wellington Barracks in Westminister, will also be among the other members of the military to line the Mall for Her Majesty the Queen's state funeral on Monday.

"When news broke, he was actually on guard at St James'", said proud mum Mandy. "He was there front and centre and told 'this is going to be the biggest moment of your life. 

"I knew he would have a part to play (at the Proclamation) but, I just thought he'd be standing at the side, with him being new to it, I didn't think he would be part of the 20 of them hip horary-ing to the new King.

"It's a big thing for a lad from Prudhoe."

Liam went to Harrogate Army College straight out of school before completing 14 weeks basic training at Catterick. He has been stationed at Wellington for about three weeks.

Mandy added: "The world's eyes are on them, you've got it to get it right. When you're 18 and you've got the pressure on, thank goodness it went alright and hopefully, Monday will be.

"All the lads are totally up for it and just want to do the best for her."

Liam had been due to go out to Germany for two weeks followed by four months in Africa.

Mandy explained: "He was thinking the biggest thing that was going to happen to him this year was going off to Kenya, seeing the world and doing his jungle training. 

"When he gets back from Kenya, that's probably when the coronation is going to happen and that will be something else he's going to have to step up to.

"He seems to be taking it all in his stride."

Liam also played a role today as the late Queen made her journey to Westminister Hall to lie in state.