Making Light Of Royal Occasion

As if giving a speech to an audience including the Queen wasn’t enough, Susie had to do it in the dark...

- Susie Fowler-Watt

I AM one of life’s big worriers. I am always worrying about something – big or small – and so I try to avoid doing things which will make me worry more. Sometimes, though, an invitation comes in which you really can’t refuse.

A few months ago, the Sandringham WI wrote to ask whether I could be the guest speaker at their January meeting. This is the annual event attended by their president, HM The Queen.

Once I’d got over the shock, and re-read the letter to make sure I hadn’t misunderstood, I started to worry. I couldn’t possibly turn down this invitation – it was such an honour to be asked, and would make my family so proud. But what on earth would I talk about?

The Sandringham WI couldn’t have been more reassuring. Just be yourself, they said. Just talk about anything you like and try not to worry that the Queen will be just in front of you. And so that is what I did, and it turned out to be an extraordinary occasion (but not because of my speech!)