General Chat

“Her Majesty’s Dairy Balmoral, Oct 7th 1898 My Dear Mother, You will not expect to hear from me today again, but I feel I cannot reject the temptation of writing to tell you of the visits I have had this morning. Have been besieged with Royalty before 10 o’clock this morning. I was scrubbing away at the top of the dresser in the dairy and singing one of Cis’s (her sister) songs as loud as you like, and my sleeves nearly up to my shoulders, when a lady’s head appeared at the door. She said “Good morning” and I returned it. And I was taking off my coloured apron when she came towards me. I must have looked bewildered I know. So she said “You do not know me?” “I have not that pleasure,” I said. “I am the Queens eldest daughter” “The Empress,” said I, half breathless in my astonishment. I had the presence of mind to curtsey and say “I humbly apologise to your Majesty” “Not at all,” she said. Another lady and gentleman of the German Court accompanied her. I have not found out yet who they are. I took them to the big dairy and said how sorry I was that they should see it before we had cleaned up for the day. The Empress said, “Don’t fret now. It is all very lovely and it is plainly seen that it is the home of cleanliness and regularity, and we have found you just as the Queen told us we should, as bright as a sunbeam, singing like a bird, so happy. “Are you Scotch?” “No, your Majesty, I am Welsh” “Ah” she said, “the land of song” “No wonder we found you singing, how could you help it coming from a musical country” Then she asked if you (parents of M.M.) lived there and if you were both alive. She never saw such lovely butter, she said. She spoke German to the lady and gentleman. I understood a good bit she said. When leaving I apologised for our untidiness again. Then the Empress shook hands with me and held mine while she said;” God bless you for all the pleasure you give my beloved mother. She appreciates all your little attentions as none ever did before. It is to kind of you, Good bye.” Then the others shook hands and followed Her Majesty, leaving me half dazed, of course. The Empress is by far the most pleasant of all the Royal ladies I have spoken to yet and made me feel at ease so quickly. But I could have cried my eyes out at not being ready. But it is impossible to be so by 10 o’ clock. I was tidy myself but no cap on. I came in and dressed as soon as I could and when I came down who should be at the door but dear little Prince Edward of York who leaves today. He said the Queen sent him to say goodbye and to thank me for the swans and squirrels. He took me by the hand to the dairy where Prince Albert and the Baby Princess (who is so pretty she looks like a wax doll) were waiting for me. Prince Edward was most amusing, he told me to call Prince Albert “Bertie” I said that would never do. “Oh, I do” he said. “Yes, but you are his brother, I must call him Prince Albert” “But why?” says he. They all shook hands and the nurses were so amused at them being so much at home with me. When leaving Prince Edward said “Then you’ll send me some milk, I should like you to take it from the cow yourself, for me.” They leave this afternoon for the south and drive past here, so I must go out to the lawn and get a salute from them. Shall not close this I shall wait and see if I hear from Cis at noon or not. No more news now. Thought I’d like to tell you how I had spoken to the Empress. Fondest love, hoping all are well. Your loving daughter, May. Footnote. The Empress she talks about is Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, Dowager Empress of Germany and mother of Kaiser Wilhelm 2. Prince Edward was later Duke of Windsor and Prince Albert the late King George VI. Love, Bridget

Bridget Thank you for another wonderful insight into Mary May's life. Please keep writing them for us, they are so fascinating. Love Sue

Wonderful! Its like waiting for the next episode of a serial - keep writing!!

This lovely lady has touched all our hearts! I have been sitting here wondering how many stories of Mary May were told in the royal household? Rebecca

What a pleasure to read on this sunny morning, thankyou Bridget sandra

Bridget, Thank you again, I love Mary,all the more because like me she came from the land of song. (Though I have yet to meet royalty)

A good job I popped on briefly this morning before I go to jet wash the patio or I would have missed this one. Thanks again, more please. Cheers Chris

Fantastic once again Bridget. Loved it. Jeanette

Hi Bridget, Thank you for yet another episode in the life of Mary May. I am blessed with a fertile imagination so I can place myself there and see it all in my minds eye. Lindy;-))

Bridget, This is so much better than Eastenders, Corrie and Emmerdale, I can't wait for your next instalment. please don't give up. Tell Aidan we are all grateful that he had such a wonderful relation. Helen

I felt as if I was there in the dairy when Mary May received her Royal visitors. Thank you so much Bridget. Norah