Buckinghamshire readers share experiences meeting the royal family

Ahead of the long coronation weekend, the country is abuzz with plans for street parties, community celebrations and memories of past royal events.

We asked some of our readers for their favourite memories of meeting members of the royal family and got some lovely stories in return.

Lisa Boyce said she remembered shaking Princess Diana's hand when the then-Princess of Wales visited Marlow Hospital in 1991.

"A few of us from school had our names picked out of a hat to stand outside the hospital while she came to visit. There was a big crowd of us to greet her and I was lucky enough to be at the front. 

"I said hello and she shook my hand - for an eight-year-old, it was a very special moment."

Iain Brown, former Commanding Officer of the High Wycombe Air Training Corps, said he met the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, when he accompanied a young cadet to St James's Palace to watch him receive his gold DofE award.

Iain said: "I didn't expect to speak to him but he singled out a number of people in each room he passed through. He was very grounded and direct, and immediately made you feel at ease. I'm very glad I was able to be there with my cadet for that moment."

Claire Green, who works as a Queen's Nurse, met the then-Prince Charles at a Queen's Nursing Institute reception at Buckingham Palace in 2018, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the NHS. 

She said: "I was lucky enough to be in one of the groups at the reception which he came and spoke to. I can't remember exactly what he said but he was very charming and interested in each of us."

Sandra Wright, who lives in Chesham, said she had met Princess Anne when the king's sister opened a council office building in Bucks.

Sandra added: "She said she wouldn't mind a job there herself!"