The Queen's reply was: "Too fervently, no too often, yes". A well-meaning Bishop was obviously doing his best when he told Queen Victoria, "Ma'am, we cannot pray too often, nor too fervently, for the Royal Family". It is possible to have too much of a good thing. Years of experience, however, have made us a bit more canny than the lady, less well versed than us in the splendours of City hospitality, who, when she was offered a balloon glass for her brandy, asked for 'only half a glass, please'. This generosity and whole-hearted kindness of the Corporation of the City to Prince Philip and me would be welcome at any time, but at this particular moment, in the aftermath of Friday's tragic fire at Windsor, it is especially so.Īnd, after this last weekend, we appreciate all the more what has been set before us today. Indeed, I suspect that there are very few people or institutions unaffected by these last months of worldwide turmoil and uncertainty. I suspect that I am not alone in thinking it so. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an 'Annus Horribilis'. To use an expression more common north of the Border, this is a real 'gathering of the clans'.ġ992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. Thank you also for inviting representatives of so many organisations with which I and my family have special connections, in some cases stretching back over several generations. I am deeply grateful that you, my Lord Mayor, and the Corporation, have seen fit to mark the fortieth anniversary of my Accession with this splendid lunch, and by giving me a picture which I will greatly cherish. The hospitality of the City of London is famous around the world, but nowhere is it more appreciated than among the members of my family. This great hall has provided me with some of the most memorable events of my life. In it The Queen referred to recent events as part of an 'annus horribilis'.Ĭould I say, first, how delighted I am that the Lady Mayoress is here today. On 24 November 1992 The Queen gave a speech at Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her Accession. 1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |