Kinda delivers a personal birthday message to the Queen
Last
year's County Cadet of the Year, Kinda, was chosen as a deputy
national Cadet of the year. As part of her responsibilities to
represent the organisation, she was invited to Windsor Palace to
deliver a birthday card to Her Majesty the Queen. Kinda takes up
the story...
The Queen's 80th birthday walkabout, was held on the 21st April,
and fortunately I was privileged enough to participate in this
fantastic, if slightly surreal, event!
Having eventually reached Windsor High Street, following a
lengthy trek, I joined the rest of the St John Ambulance group,
which comprised Sarah Holmes, the Chief Commissioner Youth; Lana, a
Badger from Windsor; and Tom, the national Cadet of the year.
Photos galore and some bizarre newspaper interviews (with The
Times, amongst others!) started the day, and after navigating
around some enthusiastic tourists, we entered the Castle grounds
for a quick briefing session.
As one of the five youth organisations to greet the Queen,
alongside the Boys'
and Girls'
Brigades, Scouts and
Guides, we were
afforded the immense privilege of being the first group to
congratulate her.
Standing outside the gates prior to her arrival, in the glare of
a myriad of cameramen and photographers, anxiety gave way to sheer
shock, as the recognition of quite where we were dawned.
As the fantastic military brass band played the initial notes of
'Happy Birthday' the Queen emerged, ahead of schedule, from the
Castle gates, to be met by our utter astoundment.
Being introduced to, and holding a brief conversation with the
Queen surely was an experience to savour, and having offered her a
highly stylish St John Ambulance birthday card and a
basket of flowers we stepped aside, joining the hoards of other
well-wishers.
Following the walkabout the excitement continued, with members
of our group completing even more newspaper interviews, and the
opportunities to soak up the brilliant atmosphere.
Not content with meeting the Queen and Prince Phillip, we
cornered ITV's Fern Britton for autographs, and strangest of all,
were interviewed live on BBC Radio Berkshire's coverage!
A brief souvenir shopping excursion ensued, and excited and
satisfied we travelled home, thrilled to have been involved in such
a excellent day.