A peeress whose heart “sank” upon receiving a summons from King Charles has disclosed how the monarch posed a surprising four-word question to her. Anne Tennant, a 93-year-old peeress and socialite who was chosen as one of the maids of honour at the Coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II, believed she was “in trouble” when the message initially arrived.
The incident occurred after Lady Glenconner wrote about Charles’ Coronation in May 2023, having enjoyed the privilege of attending both the present monarch’s ceremony and that of her childhood friend, Elizabeth. At first, Anne’s “heart sank” upon learning that Buckingham Palace wished to contact her — she anticipated the worst — but it eventually led to a dinner invitation from the King.
She informed The Mail‘s Richard Eden: “I got a call from my daughter, Amy. She said, ‘Buckingham Palace wants to get in touch with you’, so my heart sank because I thought I was in trouble.”
Rather, Lady Glenconner was invited to a “one-on-one dinner”, during which the monarch posed a question about the occasion. She recounted: “He looked at me and said, ‘How was it, Anne?’ I said, ‘Magnificent, sir, but different’,” noting that it “had to be”.
Just one day following the Coronation on May 7 that year, The Mail published a first-person piece by Lady Glenconner, in which she chronicled the royal proceedings.
In one segment, she wrote: “The historical heart of the service, the anointing of the new monarch with holy oil, was the same solemn ritual it has always been.
“The King was divested of his robes and wore just a simple shift for this private and sacred moment, which took place away from the public gaze and TV cameras, behind screens.”
Lady Glenconner, who also authored the memoirs Lady in Waiting and Whatever Next?, rounded off her piece by describing how guests “waved like mad” as the new King and Queen made their departure.
She wrote: “We all waved like mad as our dear new King and Queen left in their very uncomfortable gold coach — but I had to wait until I got home to sit down and enjoy a stiff vodka and tonic.”
Elsewhere, King Charles is anticipated to lead tributes marking what would have been his mother’s 100th birthday on April 21. As part of the commemorations, the King will address the nation and celebrate her life.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will also host a reception at the palace for representatives from organisations and charities with links to the late Queen, with insiders claiming that the King’s written tribute will highlight Elizabeth’s achievements.
It is also expected to include a video montage featuring clips from the late Queen’s Auxiliary Territorial Service service during World War II, alongside footage from her tours and engagements.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.express.co.uk ’
