Investiture At Buckingham Palace

This is my recollection of the Investiture that took place Friday 15th October 2004 at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen was on official engagement and Prince Charles the Prince of Wales took the Investiture. We hit London with a really large entourage. Family came down in small groups and I took my wife Mary and sister Eileen with my mother in law Mary into the Investuture.

Other close family arrived and waited for hours in the rain, pressed up against the railings. There was a lot of excitement as we were led into the Palace. Climbing a beautiful staircase we were seperated, guests went to the left, and I was taken into a large room on the right.. I met John Brooks also from Wolverhampton who was receiving an MBE for his services to the British Legion. We chatted as the ceremony got underway. I can't say I was too nervous at this time. But as we chatted you could not help be overwhelmed by the paintings that hung in the room that we were waiting in, and the incredible sense of occassion. A Rembrandt in particular kept catching my eye..! It was a large spectacular room, adorned with historic scenes and Royalty.

We were then lined up and taken in small groups forward. In the last 5-10 minutes I did get very nervous. We were marched into the Hall that was now filled with people. A Band was playing evocatively. It was when we were lined in a corridor to the left of the Investiture, we could see for the first time Prince Charles standing on the Dais and speaking to the recipients. Before investing the individuals facing him with the Awards. After a while it was my turn.

A short walk, then a wait, a small bow, two steps forward and Prince Charles was asking me about TWM and my role," was it going well?". It was a split second of silence for me then I launched into it, "we were the life blood of the local economy, always a very challenging industry, always an issue to address, but we were keen to serve and always looking to improve." Prince Charles came back with a further comments and a very broad smile, and then the handshake,this was the moment that signaled, time to go, then two steps backwards another bow and a purposeful march to the door. There I was greeted by an official who took the MBE off of my left lapel where it had been hung, by Prince Charles, asked me about the reason for the award put it in a box! and I was then ushered into the main hall to see the others following me honoured in the same way.

Pomp and tradition played out in this fashion is very emotional especially for family and friends who have been gathered for the occassion. When the Investiture was over into the Courtyard for photographs and for Myself, Mary Eileen and mother in law Mary, not the waiting posh cars and limousines, but a walk through the Quadrangle through a dark entry right out into the main entrance and all the waiting crowds. Where the family had gathered freezing cold and drenched by the rain! They were still buzzing though and as we were hugged and photgraphed by the family. Others who were tourists thought we were some famous celebrities and they too started photographing...crazy world. Then we all moved away back to the hotel for a warm change of clothes and a lovely evening celebration. All the family together. A real memory to cherish.