Welcome to another Storytelling Sunday over at Sians blog. Do stop by and hear some amazing stories coming from all over blogland.
As it is jubilee weekend over here in good old England, I thought I would share a short story of my brush with royalty.
It is important to know- and it may surprise you- I was a SHY child. As in, I was the child who would cling to my mothers skirt quite literally.
Anyhow at the age of five it just so happened that the Queen was going to pass through our village and all the children in my school would come out and wave their flags.
I still remember lining up with my friends and writing down on the board what colour I thought the Queen would be wearing. I remember being disappointed she wasn't in purple (my favourite colour for many years.) I remember being given a small flag and being told to wave it when we saw her pull up in the car.
So we were all there lined up. I am not a big person and I was quite small as a child so naturally I was right at the front. I was happily waving my flag with the rest of my class as Her Majesty walked along exchanging pleasantries, when she stopped at me.
I was wearing a lovely soft velvet hat ( see photo) with large flowers which I liked a lot. The Queen looked down at me and told me what a nice hat I was wearing. And we have to remember this is a lady who knows a thing or two about head wear!
I stood there saying...NOTHING.
I blanked the Queen
No kidding.
I mean I was a shy child, I did not talk to people I didn't know, the fact that she was the Queen of Britain didn't change anything!
After I blanked her she persevered and asked how old I was.
I simply held up five fingers.
It's funny how this memory sticks with me. It's also funny how moments after our encounter the Queen was being driven away from our village and drove right past my mum pushing my brothers in the pram. They waved to her and she waved back.
I am in awe of the work our Queen does. Her Jubilee is such a special occasion and I am so excited to celebrate it!
Thank you for stopping by
Abi x
24 comments:
Oh Abi, I think I might have done exactly the same at that age!
By the way, you were as cute as a button - that top photos is gorgeous! Still are of course ;-)
The Queen obviously recognised you as a lady with impeccable hat wearing style! I wonder if you would be as shy if you met her again this Jubilee weekend?!
You obviously both have great taste in hats.
Lovely little tale, I think I'd have been the same as you.
What a great story!
What a lovely story this is! I bet she thought you were absolutely charming - I can just imagine her sitting in front of the tv that evening chuckling at the thought of the little girl who wanted to be quiet!
Thank you for your special Jubilee story today Abi
What a beautiful child you were! I'm sure there are many who are struck dumb when confronted by Her Majesty. I'm loving all the Queen and jubilee stories today, as I'm sitting here in California watching the coverage.
Thanks for sharing,
Rinda
she may not remember it but it has stayed with you your whole life, and that's what makes her such a special lady. She understands how big an occasion it is for those who meet her, no matter what those anti-royalists say.
an amazing story and one you will always remember x
Awww, I'm sure I would have been the same because I was a shy child too (still am a bit shy sometimes!) and I'm sure the Queen didn't mind at all that you didn't speak :)
You look so cute in that hat - what a great memory to have. Enjoy your jubilee weekend.
I not surprised you were tongue tied but so nice that she talked to you anyway.
Aw - I'm sure you aren't the only shy person to have done so and the five fingers is a lovely idea. Fun that the rest of the family got a wave too.
I am sure lots of five year old kids would do the same. At least you held up your fingers :-)
How precious, I can see why she needed to compliment your hat and a glorious memory was created :)
What gorgeous photos. That hat is superb! I'm sure the Queen was not offended by your shyness, but instead probably remembered you as the little cutie! x
Oh Abi, what a lovely story! Really made me smile :)
I don't think I was shy as a little girl - that didn't start until I approached my teens. However, I may well have also been in awe of The Queen, if she had spoken to me. I mean, this was The Queen! Every little girl of 5 knows how Important a Queen is... so if she is The Queen... well! I am sure she didn't mind - it probably happens to her regularly - and probably not just from little girls of five either! How kind of her to speak to you again, when you didn't reply (of course, she has had children of her own, as well as grandchildren and various nieces, nephews etc. I am sure she understands little children).
Love that hat - no wonder you were proud of it! You were indeed a gorgeous and sweet little girl. I don't think you've changed much either - other than growing taller and more brave!
Such a sweet story Abi :o) I don't think I would have been able to speak either!
Abi that is one of the best Jubilee stories I have read and how sweet were you as a little girl!
Sweet!! I bet she thought you were adorable.
Gorgeous story and photograph. What a poppet you were, no wonder the Queen stopped by you.
I am sure she is used to people being in awe of her - how cute that you held up your fingers! I love when kids do that!
What a lovely story - I think I would have been like you and not be able to speak. Love your outfit and hat.
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