'The day I met the Queen' - Herts soldier recalls meeting Her Majesty in his bedroom...
It happened when the Monarch visited his army barracks!
Platinum Jubilee celebrations are in full swing across Bucks, Beds, and Herts and residents are sharing their memories of meeting Her Majesty the Queen.
Tree surgeon and ski instructor Andrew Simister is originally from Hertfordshire. He remembers meeting the Queen on three occasions during his time as a Coldstream Guard.
Andrew served as a guard between 1983 and 1992, where he was tasked with protecting the monarchy and taking part in ceremonial events like the Trooping of the Colours and the State Opening of Parliament.
Andrew recalls first meeting the Queen at a garden party when he was just 18-years-old.
“I remember walking from Chelsea Barracks, through Sloane Square, and down the Queen’s Road. I was in a line of people and we ended up meeting the Queen. She seemed a very warm kind of person.”
Another time, during a barrack inspection by the Queen and the Queen Mother, Andrew says he had a memorable conversation with Her Majesty about his mattress.
“I was standing in my bed space and the Queen walked in. I introduced myself and she asked me if the bed was comfortable. I seem to remember it wasn’t, but I said it was anyway.”
The third and final encounter took Andrew and his colleagues by surprise. After coming off duty at Buckingham Palace and starting to relax, they were shocked to turn the corner and find the Queen.
“We didn’t have a clue that she would be there. You can imagine the fright in our eyes. Everyone put their bearskins back on and started carrying their rifles properly, saluting as we walked past”, Andrew laughs.