The Queen probably receives countless cards and gifts each year, but it appears she treasures each and every one.
According to Andrew Simes, his grandfather would send a Christmas card to Queen Elizabeth every year – from 1952 until his passing in 2011.
In a chance encounter in 1972, Andrew’s grandfather met the Queen and she told him how much she cherished his mail each year.
After his grandfather’s death, Andrew took it upon himself to send a card to Her Majesty. He says he received a touching response from Queen Elizabeth herself.
Andrew explains in this post from his Facebook page:
“Ever since Grandpa could remember, he made sure to send a Christmas card to his king/queen. So naturally, since 1952, Elizabeth II kept receiving his mail.
“As chance would have it, their paths crossed at a reception in Izmir, Turkey in 1972. When it was his turn to be introduced to the Queen, instead of a formal handshake, she paused, smiled, and quipped: ‘So it’s you who keeps sending me those lovely Christmas cards.’
“Of all her subjects, Grandpa stood out (perhaps because he mailed his letters from Turkey), but what a memory and level of kindness on the Queen’s part. She even wrote him to congratulate him on his 100th birthday.
“Sadly, Grandpa passed away in the summer of 2011 at the age of 102. As a loyal grandson, admirer and student of his, I took it upon myself to continue writing our Queen every year to show our appreciation. And I started that very first Christmas after Grandpa’s passing.
“In January 2012, about a month after Christmas, I received a letter. The envelope suggested that it was sent from Buckingham Palace.
In it was written: “When I received a letter from a different Simes this Christmas, I instructed my office to research your grandfather’s whereabouts. Therefore it is with much sadness, I have learned of his passing and extend my condolences to you and your family.”
“I couldn’t fight back the tears then, nor can I fight them back every time I remember this story of two people who left a lifelong impression on each other.
“And today, just as every year, I sent my Christmas cards… but top of the list was reserved for Her Majesty. Wishing you all a Christmas as magical as this story.
