Sue's Royal Visit
The letter arrived at the end of January. An invitation to a reception in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh at St. James's Palace to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Help the Hospices. Of course I accepted the invitation - representing Iain Rennie Hospice at Home would be a great honour and privilege. The date of the occasion was to be 16th March and I had to wait until the beginning of March for further instructions.
Imagine my surprise when the instructions arrived and I saw the words "You have been chosen to be presented to both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as part of a group of 20 individuals". I definitely need a new outfit! The dress code was "cocktail dress" so a trip was urgently planned with my daughter in support and the smart but understated "outfit" and shoes were duly purchased.
As the day approached I felt the need to practice some things to say that would sound sensible! Please don't let me trip, fall on the Queen or spit when I speak!! I also left plenty of time to get ready - makeup, hair, nails all as good as they could be.
I was lucky to be offered a lift from door to door - thank goodness as the shoes wouldn't have lasted. Rowena, our first Chief Executive was also invited and was being presented to the Queen, so we travelled together driven by her husband Martin.
We arrived early, very unusual for me! We both recognised many other faces queuing to get in. Colleagues from other local hospices, colleagues from Forum and working groups. It's amazing how many we knew. We had to queue for security checks which took place in a small lobby at the entrance of the palace. We were then shown into a red carpet lined corridor with windows to the right and a room of tables to the left where staff took our coats and bags. We then had to climb a few steps then turn left to climb more. Stairs also led to the right and on the first small landing a harpist played quietly but beautifully to herald our entrance!
The ladies toilets were in a room to the left at the top of the stairs. A lovely, comfortable sitting room containing family photographs in normal frames. Perhaps the royals have tea here - it felt like they could do! The end of the room was divided by a beautiful marquetry screen behind which was the entrance to the toilets. I didn't pay a visit!
We were then ushered through a joining room which had a wall covered with rings of swords, pistols and shields. Amazing! This room was the way into the first state room.
All of the rooms led one into the other and my room was the Council chamber, the last room, but the room which the Queen would enter first. The rooms were modest in size, beautifully decorated with wonderful huge royal portraits. The throne room was mainly red with red upholstered seats with gold painted wood. The single throne with HRH embroidered on the back was placed on a raised platform at the furthest end of the room. We were offered drinks - wine or soft drinks. Don't have alcohol - just in case!
On entering the Council chambers there were only a few people waiting. The founder of Sunninghill Hospice in Rochdale was sitting, as she was unable to stand for lengths of time. The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk , founder of Help the Hospices, were part of the reception committee. The Queen was due at 6:30pm. We were set into our places - I was told at this point I was in this line-up representing all hospice nurses as I had been in the movement for over 21 years. I felt so proud to be given that role.
At 6:29pm the double doors opened and as the clock struck 6:30 the Queen entered the room. Looking stunning in a pale green fitted suit with a panelled skirt she greeted the Duchess with a kiss. A surprise to me but wonderful at the same time. She then worked her way along the line being presented to each individual by Rt. Hon. Lord Newton of Braintree - the Chairman of Help the Hospices.
Finally, it was my turn. "This is Sue Varvel , Director of Nursing, Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, for over 21 years." My curtsey worked! "Your Majesty." I said. Right again! Then the short conversation about the nurses, the service and the number of patients we care for. Also about the government drive for care at home. The Queen was very interested and understood the concept. Then David Praill, Chief Executive of Help the Hospices, introduced the Duke of Edinburgh. This time I was asked where we were based - another explanation - no beds just in the community. And then it was over. Amazing!
The Queen and Duke both mingled for a few moments more before moving through to the next room where they separated and the Queen met those on one side of the room and the Duke on the other. They had moved on and we were able to mingle with our colleagues and share experiences. We were also offered more wine and 'royal canapés' which were presented on clear perspex boxes which contained white fabric flowers lit with tiny white bulbs. Fascinating!
A meeting with broadcaster, Martyn Lewis, and Sister Francis Dominica produced stimulating discussion on funding and the possibility of an AGM speaker!
It was all over very quickly. My final treat was meeting the Royal Household nurse, who is a friend of Maddie Blackburn . Dressed in Florence Nightingale style uniform and lace cap, she was supporting those who were in wheelchairs or who needed help. She was concerned that her role would be difficult to hand on - who would want to work strange hours at strange events? Well I can think of someone!!
This was a very special event. I felt honoured and privileged to be part of something so wonderful and to represent my profession at the same time. It was certainly an occasion I will never forget.
25th March 2009
