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| Earlier
this month I received my 'Warrant of Appointment' personally signed by the
Queen. Another first! |
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| Colin
picked us up at 8.00am on a cold and misty morning |
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The
'Order of Service'
Upon arrival at Buckingham Palace, Elizabeth and Sarah took their places
with the other guests in the Ballroom. I was shown into the Art Gallery
and instructed on what I should do. No braincells required until the very
last bit we were told! It was like being back at school with a roll call
every few minutes. The last bit involved my name being called, walking
into the ballroom, stopping, turning left, bowing, walking forward,
talking to HRH Prince of Wales, shaking hands, then walking
backwards 4 paces (the WORST bit!), bowing again and walking out. |
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| HRH
said that he was so happy to be 'on duty' to present the award to me
himself. He said some other really nice things too. |
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| Shakes
hands. Step backwards. Bow... |
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| The
MBE itself. Now in a very smart case! |
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| 'Cat
got the cream'? Posing for the official photographs. |
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| I
thought Elizabeth looked absolutely lovely. Everything just looked so
good! Specially the hat... |
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| We
were posing for the official photos (above) The official ones (scanned)
below! |
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| The
originals look less 'grainy'... |
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| Sarah
looked 'the business' too. I was very proud of how well they 'scrubbed
up'. What a lucky man I am! |
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| Then
it was off to Mosimanns. Mark Mosimann met us with an 'on the house' glass
of champers. They have done so much to help the Prince's Trust through the
last ten years. |
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| The
food was sensational. I had Dorset crab, mackerel and squid and... |
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| ...
Anton's Bread & Butter pudding for dessert. It is 'to die for'...
And so ended one of
the most memorable days in my life
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