It is 1980 and we have gone to a London theatre to see The Mousetrap along with a house guest from Toledo in Ohio.
As we near the theatre we see there are policemen everywhere - why we ask one of them. "The Queen Mother is going to see The Mousetrap as part of her 80th birthday celebrations". How exciting, I had not see the Queen Mother since I was a child.
As usual the royal party arrived after everyone was seated and just before the curtain rose. The evening passed as we enjoyed the play but just before the end I began to figure out how I could get to see the Queen Mother when I knew she would leave the theatre before everyone else. I decided to leave a few minutes before the end to get outside in order to see her leave.
I found myself in a labrynth of corridors and eventually found my way to a side exit. Without thinking I pushed open the door (this was in the days before all the high security that we know today) and to my surprise and shock I was faced with a mob of people who were waiting outside and obviously knew that this was the exit the Queen Mother would be using. What could I do? I just stood in front of them trying to ignore the various comments coming my way!
Within a few minutes the Queen Mother appeared and standing about 3 feet away from me stood and acknowledged us all with her engaging smile and wave. The only camera that evening was the one belonging to our USA friend who was still somewhere in the theatre with Alan. Shame!
Today I would never have the chance to be in that position and if I did would probably be carted off as a terrorist.
15 comments:
What a great story and how often is that those precious life's moments are always ones WITHOUT a camera!
How exciting to be that close up! It's nice that you have a friend visiting there too from my state of Ohio. I know you won't forget the visit to the theatre for a long time to come.
That was thrilling to see the
Queen.. You said it Terrorism. How the world has changed. Will we ever feel safe again. I guess as long as Muslim's Hate us we will never be safe. Looking back they have always hated us. Why???
I really don't know
what we have done.
yvonne
I was in London in August 1980 on a weeks holiday with my husband and we went to see the Mousetrap too! Great show and is still there as far as I know!Pity about the camera and missing the chance to get up close with the Queen Mother.
No camera shot, but the memory is great! Very adventurous of you :)
Dear Barb,
God bless you and may you have a wonderful week. Always a pleasure to visit your blog.
What a treat to go to the Theater!
I've never been to London, but hope someday I get to see the sights and walk about.
My Husband's Great GrandFather came to the States from Somerset, England in the late 1880s.
Enjoyed your post,
d from homehaven
Now I really envy you. I have watched her on TV and she was always smiling and seemed happy. I love the hats that she wore.
Willow
What a wonderful story!
Patsy
Oh Barbara, that adventure could have been scripted on any delisious British sit-com! Of course you didn't have a camera, that's what life is about. But, what a memory.
I enjoy your blog and your pictures, thank you.
Susan
http://susan-chicdaisy.blogspot.com/
What a lovely special moment to treasure.
What an exciting moment for you. It makes a wonderful story too. I can picture it all in my mind.
We didn't need a photo. You painted a perfect picture for us!
Wow...talk about an encounter with royalty. Well at least you have wonderful memories of that evening, thanks for sharing your experience.
Blessings...
How exciting! My sister used my china and gold flatware at a church tea and we did a Princess Diana table and one a prize for decorating. You should take a look at it. It turned out so beautiful, people called it the Royal Table. haha
www.chachaneen@blogspot.com
Fantastic - I went to London that year to see The mousetrap - no Queen mum though!!!!
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