Mike Henry
Special to The Lake Report
Having lived in the U.K. for a several years, my wife Yolanda and I have a few memories of the Queen.
At the old Royal Ascot, I nearly bumped into her as she was heading to a special presentation at the track.
Quite a surprise to be that close to her.
Then there was the famous annual summer garden tea party in the grounds behind Buckingham Palace.
The Queen hosted a select group of attendees from across the U.K. Yolanda and I were lucky enough to be invited.
We almost got to be introduced to the Queen but when asked where we were from by the gentlemen screening the crowd he said, “Not more bloody Canadians.”
On this particular day, there was a young lad whose brother dared him to streak naked on the path toward the Queen.
Needless to say a few Yeomen tackled him and carried him off before the Queen could see him.
Finally, and most memorable, was being invited “by Order of Her Majesty” to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace in 2005.
I was introduced to the Queen and Prince Philip upon entering the reception hall and later she stopped by a small group of us to have a chat.