for The Freedom of Windsor, HRH The Prince of Wales, 1970
Published in Windlesora 14 (1995)
© WLHG
There are some days you never forget. One such day for me is 26 June 1970, the day before the Freedom of Windsor was given to HRH The Prince of Wales.
The rehearsal in the Home Park was arranged by the Town Clerk, George Waldram, and I went down there to see that my own responsibilities as Borough Engineer were in order. The Town Clerk promptly asked me to take part in the rehearsal – by being the stand-in for His Royal Highness. Borough Engineers get all sorts of jobs but this was a new one for me.
The Rolls-Royce limousine was ready, and drove me round the Home Park along the route that would be taken by the Royal car next day. It stopped opposite the dais, with its decorated flowers and flags, and someone opened the door. The Mayor stepped forward and shook my hand warmly, murmuring words of welcome. Then came the Town Clerk and other dignitaries. So far, so good. I was affable and beaming cheerfully, but then. . .
An Army Officer – who proved to be the Captain of the Guard – approached the dais. He invited me to “Inspect the Guard”. I agreed. As we walked towards the line of soldiers the Captain said that his men were recruits, and needed experience of such events. He asked me to speak to a few of the men, to let them see what to expect, but had no advice on the matter.
The line of soldiers was a long one, and I mentally calculated that with six dozen in line, I might stop at every thirteenth. They were in the dirtiest army dungarees that I had ever seen, with oily hands and faces because their ordinary work that morning was on their vehicles. This was hardly a matter for congratulations on good appearance, so what should I say? I decided to explain what might happen and stopped by the 13th man. He appeared to listen, then as I finished, bellowed “SIR!” at the top of his voice. This was repeated by the 26th man and the 39th – I counted carefully and was glad to reach the end of the line and return to the dais.
At this point the real arrangement provided that His Royal Highness was to be led into the great marquee, where drinks and other refreshments would be waiting – but that was not part of the rehearsal – and I needed something, preferably hot and strong.
I still have this card:
Gordon Cullingham
Windsor Local History Group 