QUEEN ELIZABETH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 80, 15 January 1940, Page 8

QUEEN ELIZABETH

LUNCHEON WITH EVACUEES, PRINCESSES MISS PARENTS. LONDON, December 8. While the King was continuing bis tour in France, the Queen sat down with 250 evacuee children in the assembly rooms of a well-known cathedral city in Sussex, and shared their luncheon of stew, potatoes and jam tart. Afterwards the Queen said that the luncheon, which is served to the children at Is 6d a head for five days each week, was excellent. All cooking and serving is done by members of the Women’s Voluntary Service. Earlier the Queen had visited Selsey and Bosham, where she inspected billets, and spoke with some of the evacuated children and mothers. Asked: “How are the Princesses?” the Queen answered: “They are both very well, thank you, but they miss their mummy and daddy very much.” It was a bitterly cold day, and the Queen sat down for a few minutes in the lounge of a private bouse where a bright fire was burning. “What a lovely fire. I wish I could stay by it,” she said.

Community Singing. Later the Queen met some 500 Women’s Voluntary Service workers in the County Hall. They came from all classes, and every town and village in West Sussex was represented. Lord Leconfield, Lord Lieutenant of Sussex, and the Hon. Mrs Emmet welcomed the Queen, who walked to the body of the ball and mixed freely with the women, to whom she talked for a long time. There was community singing, during which the whole company sat on the floor. At its conclusion Lady Maxse expressed thanks to her Majesty, who in acknowledgement said: “I thank you for the warm reception you have given me this afternoon. It has been a real joy for me to lie here. I would like to say thank you with all my heart for the wonderful work you are doing here. God bless you all.” Her Majesty returned to London by train. Princesses in Chain Store. The Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Rose, who are still in Scotland enjoyed a visit to a “hush-hush” town —the Scottish newspapers say it was Aberdeen, and they show pictures of the occasion—to do some Christmas shopping. At this time of the year they generally patronise well-known stores in the West End, more luxurious than the six-penny chain establishment where they shopped two days ago, but they doubtless experienced quite a thrill, for the display was excellent and the stock very seasonable. These little girls are completely unspoiled. They walked hand in hand, and made many purchases, selecting their own goods. Just Like Other Little Girls. Princess Elizabeth examined a number of rings with glass insets, and Princess Margaret watched her sister make her choice. They bought a collection of trinkets for which their governess paid. It was so exciting for nine-year-old Princess Margaret. ‘ T Oh, isn’t your jewellery nice!” sho exclaimed as she skipped to the counter and stood up tip-toe to see better. The saleswoman was too surprised to answer. She said later. “They came in just like all the other little girls to buy their Christmas presents. They were wearing fawn coats and pink hats. A. man arid woman walked behind them. Nobody recognised them at first, but when they did, my word, there was a rush.” Princess Margaret chose six brooches. She picked the brightest ones scarlet, green and pink. “Six brooches at sixpence. That’s three shillings, isn’t it?” she said.

Downstairs they revelled among the toys, buying articles apparently lor Christmas trees. 'They also purchased handkerchiefs and Christmas cards. “We must have a horse and cart,” said Princess Margaret to her sister, as she pointed to a wooden horse and cart on one of the counters. The gilt was duly purchased. On the top floor a gramophone was playing the latest popular songs. Finally, “Run, Rabbit, Run” and “The Siegfried Line” were chosen. The royal children then went to another shop, where they stayed for half an hour. They inspected articles of leather work and made several small purchases. Princess Elizabeth bought a small purse, a manicure set, and a darning set, all in tar-tan. Princess Margaret bought a number of articles, those being paid for by her sister. In this shop they paid for Everything themselves, hut it was Princess Elizabeth who hold the purse.