Royal reply for Salisbury care home resident who penned jubilee poem
She has been left "overjoyed"
A resident of a Salisbury care home says she was amazed after receiving a letter from Windsor Castle, in reply to a poem she penned for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Jennifer Whitaker, who lives at Braemar Lodge, wrote a nine line verse for the celebrations in June and sent it off.
Included in the letter was the plans on how they were marking the occasion.
Not expecting to hear back, one day a letter with a Windsor Castle masthead arrived at reception.
In the typed note, Lady-in-Waiting Mary Morrison said:
“The Queen wishes me to thank you for your letter in which you told Her Majesty about your preparations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“Her Majesty was pleased to hear about your celebrations and hopes you had a wonderful time and have enjoyed sharing your many memories of special Royal events in times past.
“I am also to say how touched The Queen was by the warm tribute to Her Majesty composed by Mrs Jennifer Whitaker.
“The Queen much appreciates your thoughts for her and your kindness in writing as you did in this historic year.”
When staff showed Jennifer the letter, she said:
“I just couldn’t believe it. I was thrilled. I felt quite overcome and emotional.
“The Queen really is a marvellous lady and for her to have instructed such a response is amazing.”
Home manager Jackie Cash, said:
“We accompanied Jennifer’s poem with a summary of what we had planned for the Jubilee, including our garden party, making a mosaic tribute and attending the lighting of the Beacon on Old Sarum.
“We had been waiting with cautious anticipation for a possible reply but when you think of the thousands of messages the Queen must receive, especially recently with the Jubilee, it’s astonishing that she and her staff took the time to respond to us.
“We’ve given the letter of reply to Jennifer to keep. She is overjoyed by it. We’re having it framed and I’m sure it will have pride of place in her room.”
The Poem
‘I doubt the world will ever see the like of her again
She went to Kenya as a Princess, came back as a Queen
This is the memory most poignant I have ever seen.
Serious at serious moments but tickled pink by fun
“Good morning Mr Bond” and the Olympics had begun
Through silver, gold now platinum years
She has been our rock and stay
So, God Save Queen Elizabeth
Hip Hip Hip Hurray!!’