Holmsey

Thank you Ma’am

When you know you know, and surely everyone knew? You speak when you’re spoken to and not before. You should bow or curtsey, address her as ‘your Majesty’ and then ‘Ma’am’, to rhyme with jam.

Sadly, I didn’t get that close, although, like most people, I did manage to be in her considerable presence a few times.

I was a child the first time I saw her; she was wearing the most colourful dress I had ever seen, and I waved my little union flag furiously. She smiled and waved back at us, and we were very grateful; we’d seen the actual Queen!When I next saw her, there were far fewer people present, and she walked right past me. Sadly, there was no opportunity to say ‘Hello.’ I was struck by how tiny she seemed, but just to be that close to the Monarch was a delight, worth waiting for. Over time, our beloved Queen may have become a very small person, but her aura remained immense, graciously, French president Macron called her ‘A giant’. Unashamedly I shed a tear when I heard she had passed. On that afternoon, I had feared the end was close, and so became reflective, thinking about her devoted service, and how much she had been a part of my life. Her Majesty met tens of thousands of people around the world, but sadly I wasn’t to be one of them, although perhaps one day I’ll get the opportunity to meet His Majesty, King Charles III.

I have been inside Buckingham Palace, and although the Queen wasn’t there, just walking past the tourists outside and going inside to enjoy a glass of wine was special! I also know people who were awarded honours, and each of them recalls every forensic detail of their special day. They queued, of course, and as they queued the nerves increased inch by inch. When your name is called, you shuffle forward and take your place exactly as rehearsed. Just for a few seconds, those incredibly twinkly eyes are focussed only on you, and in the moment, all say they felt unworthy. Despite doing 100-150 awards at once, she knew what they were there for and had a few words for everyone. People recall curtseying when they should have bowed or turning right when they should have turned left. No matter, she delighted each of them as she created a special memory.

A dear friend was employed by the Royal family, and on meeting the Queen, for the first time, was told exactly what to do. My friend is a formidable character, but when Her Majesty approached, nerves almost got the better of them! The experience was fairly brief, but as always, the Queen was kind and generous and seemed genuinely interested in the answers to her questions. My friend says the Royal family are genuinely devoted to public service, and that in turn inspires total dedication from their staff.

As a child I watched ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ with my lovely old, Nan. Lord Bellamy, Lady Marjorie and the family were the posh lot upstairs, but the focus was mostly on the servants, downstairs. Mr Hudson the butler, bossed the hard-working team including Edward the footman, Rose and Daisy the maids, and Mrs Bridges, the wonderful cook. It was their trials and tribulations that made the show. In one special episode, His Majesty

the King came to dinner at Eaton Place, and I was almost as thrilled as the servants were. I still remember he was served Baron of Lamb, and that must say something about the effect the Sovereign has in real life.

We instinctively know the institution is special and precious, so thank you for your devoted service, Ma’am, and God save the King.