Occasionally, we are given a glimpse behind the formal façade of the Royal family. One little cameo which illustrates the whimsical nature of Queen Elizabeth 11 was told to me many years ago by Lieutenant General Sir Charles Coleman, Colonel of the Welch Regiment from 1958 to 1965.
Soon after Sir Charles retired from the Army in 1959, he was offered the job of Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey - an honour he was delighted to accept.
Before taking up the appointment, there were certain formalities which had to take place; one of which was the formal kissing of hands at the palace. Fortunately, an old friend had taken up the appointment of Lieutenant Governor of Jersey a year before; he gave Sir Charles a ring to pass on some tips about procedure at the ceremony.
"The Queen spent much time talking about Jersey cattle," said the friend, "and my knowledge of that breed of cattle - or for that matter, any breed of cattle, is nil. You may or may not know that Guernsey has its own cattle, so I suggest you do some homework." Sir Charles thanked his friend and set about learning all there was to know about Guernsey cattle.
When the day arrived for him to report to Buckingham Palace, he stepped lightly across the forecourt feeling quite confident about his forthcoming audience with the Queen.
The Gentlemen of the Household and the Lord Chamberlain were present and he was ushered into the audience chamber where her Majesty was waiting. The formal kissing of hands took place and Sir Charles was confirmed in his appointment.
The Queen then fixed him with a penetrating gaze and said: "I suppose you've been mugging up on Guernsey cattle, General?" Sir Charles, who had been looking forward to a quiet and relaxed conversation about cows admitted that he had become, possibly, the greatest authority in the world about Guernsey and, for good measure, Jersey cattle, as well. The Queen chuckled over the memory of the discomfort of the Governor of Jersey, but was touched to hear how he had tried to help his friend.
About Me
- Major Bob Smith
- These stories cover the 49 years I spent with The Welch Regiment (later to become part of The Royal Regiment of Wales), The South Wales Borderers, King’s African Rifles and Malaysia Rangers. In 1980, I became Assistant Secretary of my Regiment, Curator of the Royal Regiment of Wales Museum (South Wales Borderers and Monmouthshire Regiment) and editor of the regimental magazine, ‘Men of Harlech’. The stories are all true but I have concealed most identities. While light-hearted, others have a tinge of pathos and some might bring a tear to the eye. In the words of my old friend and brother officer Major General Lennox Napier (late of the South Wales Borderers and Royal Regiment of Wales) who wrote a foreword for an earlier compilation of my stories: ‘Read this book for a good laugh as well as for an insight into the sort of life in the British Army which no longer exists’. Major Bob Smith died on 18th November 2012, leaving his wonderful stories everywhere, from this blog to his book, 'Khaki Shorts' and in the hearts of his fellow officers, family and friends. If you need any information on him, please contact his daughter at gilly@gillysmith.com
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