Friday, July 4, 2008

A Very Practical Lady

From London comes the news that over 700 items from the personal collection of the Queen Mother's longtime servant, "Backstairs" Billy Tallon, will be sold at auction this weekend - signed photos, gifts from the Royal Family, memorabilia...

Of them all, however, I can't imagine wanting anything more than this casual note; one that at a stroke summarizes all that was most adorable about that indomitable old lady, the former Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, last Empress of India, and vigourous centenarian:

I'm sure it was needed, and much enjoyed. She clearly took to heart the Scouting motto: be prepared.

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