Memories of Her Majesty
Next week, after 70 years of serving the UK and wider Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, will become the first ever British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.
That means it’s high time to make a brew, dust off the ol’ BBQ with some tasty discounts and enjoy the ‘best of what it means to be British’ as we get ready for a party like no other! As the British public celebrate the historic milestone by enjoying an extended bank holiday lasting from Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 5th June, we asked our Defence Discount Service members to look back and share some of your favourite memories of Her Majesty over the years.
Coronation memories
Many members were lucky enough to have experienced the Queen’s Coronation back in 1953. Jose remembers her dedicating herself to serving the country, while Lesley told us she remembers; “Standing with my nan on the pavement, waving my little Union Jack and waving to her Majesty, our newly crowned Queen – as she was driven past in the royal car; waving to us all.
“I remember asking my nan where her crown was and being told it was safe in her castle – a wonderful memory I will cherish and always remember.”
Visiting the Rainbow Nation
Karen and Rosemary both met her while at RAF Marham and both Rosemary and her husband were lucky enough to attend a “very delicious lunch which Her Majesty presided over” while Margaret remembers “when she visited the South African Navy in Simon’s Town, South Africa, in March ’95 after visiting Cape Town. HMS Britannia was berthed alongside in Simon’s Town Dockyard when her helicopter landed close by for the Queen to disembark to spend the night aboard.
“A number of us were there to greet her and we were actually invited onboard the Royal Yacht for an evening function with the crew!”
The face behind the crown
It’s most common for our memories to be of civil or ceremonial affairs as the Queen (and other royals) have dedicated themselves to a full programme of engagements throughout her reign. These might be visits to schools and charities, to leading public events or hosting visiting dignitaries and Heads of State, but the occasional glimpse of the woman behind the crown is always received well too.
Many of us are familiar with the candid occasion in which Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, appears to have surprised Her Majesty by dressing as a Guardsman. What many may not realise is that while he was in full ceremonial uniform and the traditional bearskin cap, it was in fact an invading swarm of bees that had taken them both by surprise (and sent other guests scattering for cover)!
After losing her husband last year, memories of the moments they were able to share captured the hearts of both our members and the general public. We hope that – as the longest reigning (and longest living) monarch in British history – the Queen takes joy and comfort in looking back over the many years they shared together as they modernised the monarchy and championed British interests at home and abroad.