I am a regular correspondent to the Royal Family and for some reason my cards and letters strike a chord with them.
In the past I have been invited to a Westminster Abbey Commonwealth Service (2017) and Her Majeses Trooping of the Colours (all 3) in 2022.
To my great surprise in august I received a note from Queen Camilla asking to meet with me on their visit to Australia. The end result was I was one of 12 Australians personally asked to attend a gathering on 20th October in the court yard of St. Thomas’ Church in Sydney, so that the King and Queen could meet with us.
I attended with Mr Stephen Jones, who is secretary and coordinator for: Royal Overseas League Tasmania, Combined Commonwealth Sociees Tasmania and Australians for Constitutional Monarchy. I am a member of all 3 groups.
The day was wonderful, on arrival we where escorted through the crowd to the rear of the Anglican Church. It was great talking to the other invited guests and we knew the Royals were near when the Immediate Response Security Helicopter hovered over head and then the Royal convoy arrived.
After a 45 minute church service, the Royals exited the church to a huge roar of joy from the quite large crowd.
The King and Queen then slowly made there way around the gathered guests, seeming to shake everyone’s hand and taking time for a chat. As the King came to me, I was able to say
“Gidday your Majesty and Greetings from Tasmania”. He then noticed my jacket, which had a map of Tasmania, Freemasons Symbol and my Airforce Badge, which he studied quite markedly. He then straightened, smiled and we shook hands and had a brief chat.
I don’t know if the King is a Freemason or not, but I hope he noted the badge with approval.
His grip was comfortable, his voice calm and clear and his presence of warmth and interest was quite palpable and left me with a wonderful glow of pleasure.
43 years ago I paraded for him when I was a 20 year old Crash Fireman in the RNZAF and he was a young Prince, now he is my King and I have the privilege of speaking to him –WOW!
But the meeting was tinged with sadness. I couldn’t help but be concerned that this huge trip and the effort of meeting so many people may be too demanding for him. Having myself been diagnosed with cancer in April, I felt so sorry for what he is going through.
While I thought the meeting with the King was good, I was amazed at my meeng with her Majesty. She came to me, absolutely glowing with energy and vitality. Her handshake was warm and steady. I welcomed her as I did the King, but when I started to state who I was, she stopped me by saying, “Yes I know who you are”. I was stunned and elated, it was truly one of the best moments of my life.
Indeed as we chaed there was an aura of vitality, warmth and pleasure. When she laughed it was wonderful, when she smiled, the world was a beer place.
I’m not important, not rich and definitely not famous. Just a disabled pensioner living in a remote part of Tasmania, but I shell matter to the King & Queen.
Brother Christopher A M Walker
Mt Lyell 24 TC
