Published in Windlesora 07 (1988)
© WLHG
Shortly before her death Miss Phyllis Reddick recalled how her father, at the age of 12, was sent each day to collect the afternoon post from Windsor, as there was no second delivery to the Park. He was warned that if he encountered the Queen, he should try to ‘disappear’, but if this was not possible, he must stand to attention at the side of the road, and take off his cap.
One day he started off along the road across Frogmore to the gate leading into the Long Walk. He saw the Queen’s pony-trap approaching, but there was nowhere to hide. Removing his cap he stood respectfully at the side of the road. The Queen nodded kindly and passed on towards Frogmore. Behind came John Brown, a big man well wrapped up against the cold.
“Hi laddie,” said John Brown, “Its’s incou’ cold; have a nip of this,” and produced his whisky flask.
The boy shut his eyes and ‘swigged’ as instructed, only to feel as though the top of his head had been blown off. The flask was reclaimed by its owner who continued after the Queen’s carriage while Master Reddick recommenced his walk to the Post Office.
Windsor Local History Group 