April 1, 1999 I received an e-mail from the Chief Executive of Quarriers (Scotland’s second largest charity) extending an invitation to the Royal Visit to Quarriers Village by Princess Anne. The cost of my flight along with the cost of my husband’s and my accommodations would be covered by Quarriers. You can imagine my first reaction. Ha! Ha! April Fools!
The invitation was indeed legitimate. Over the next six weeks, we had to pass MI-5’s background security check, get briefed on protocol, and more importantly still – I had to find something to wear! It definitely called for the proper attire. It’s not every day you actually get to meet Royalty.
I found the perfect dress easily – off white and sleeveless. It was the ensemble that presented the problem. I wanted a navy blue blazer to wear with it. In the end, I found what I was looking for – hat and gloves, the same colour as the dress, navy shoes and purse to match, and my navy blue blazer.
In addition to my husband and me, one of my cousins and another couple with ties to The Orphan Homes of Scotland – as Quarriers used to be known as – attended this momentous event.
