The Day the Duke Came for Tea
It’s been an interesting week! As temperatures soured into the 30s, David and I were preparing for a visit from the Duke of Edinburgh on Tuesday 23rd June at 2.15pm precisely. How did we swing this? Well, David and I are on the London Gardens Society committee and Edward is its Patron. Every June he visits three London gardens, which are selected and proposed by the committee. And of all the proposals put forward, David’s was chosen. He suggested Edward start at the Kids Gardening Club in Hampstead Garden Suburb, then over to us - five times winner of London’s Best Small Back Garden, not bragging – and finally a walk down Church Lane to the Leopold Road Community Garden, voted London’s Best Community Garden.
So, the race was on to make our garden the best it’s ever looked, and to provide tea for the Duke and his entourage. I bought a new dress, had a matching pedicure, and baked a Victoria Sponge. Bought out my best china. My nominated guest, Rosie, - because she’s so calm, was once Lady Mayoress of Barnet and knows how to behave - baked a plum and almond cake.
The Duke arrived, suited and booted, smiling and friendly, immediately putting us at our ease. The neighbours were out in force taking photos, while our neighbour Ian, official photographer for the event, was snapping away. The party came through my hall and living room to emerge onto the colourful Catio, then into the main body of the garden, which was standing to attention in its best finery.
David guided Edward through to the shady fernery, pointing out all our upcycled gardenalia, then into the Summer House Studio. Whilst taking copious photos from outside, Ian leaned to one side, and remarked to Rosie and me, I think David’s trying to sell him something! Got the giggles at that, plus the absurdity of having a member of the Royal Family in my garden, I struggle to remember what we spoke about. Best of all, Edward climbed onto the roof terrace and had a jolly good look around at the other gardens and the borrowed landscape, including our Holy Trinity church spire. Great photo call, to follow, once the palace has released the photos for our personal use.
As anticipated, the Duke declined tea and cake and had a glass of water. His security detail eyed the cakes longingly but it’s not good form to partake if the Duke refrains apparently. Still, no matter, our friends from the LGS enjoyed the refreshments after the event.
When finally, David escorted the party down Church Lane, Rosie and I enjoyed a quick Pimms before following on. In record temperatures the Duke happily stopped to greet neighbours, met the local vicar and went inside the church, went into our local florists, Jennie Mann, (who thought David was kidding when he went in to warn them days before), passed the Windsor Castle pub, which had opened early especially, chatting to locals as he headed to his final destination, Leopold Road Community Garden.
By the time Rosie and I joined the party he had gathered quite a crowd, sitting with the community members, and mingling with the gathering crowd. As school broke out, a group of teenage boys stopped to see what was going on, and said, Look, it’s the king’s brother, lets go and have a selfie! Whilst in conversation with a couple of young girls, it transpired that they were about to do the Duke of Edinburgh Award, to which he replied, Well that’s good to hear, I am the Duke of Edinburgh.
Such a privilege of a lifetime, so many lovely moments, just had to share my special day with you, and I make no apologies for this extended Blog.
Love, Caroline
Cover photo: Greeting the Duke, photo by kind permission of our neighbour, Gail.
