SUSAN THE CORGI, BUT NO LUGGAGE

IT WAS a royal going away — no luggage to pile into the train for it had gone on ahead, none of the family or personal friends at the station. But, like many another young couple, they were late at the station.

The open state landau in which they had ridden from Buckingham Palace swept into Waterloo Station at a brisk trot.

A footman opened the landau door and the Princess’s pet corgi, Susan, came bundling out in a shower of confetti.

The Princess shivered slightly, as if she had felt the cold during the open ride from the Palace.

The Prince handed his bride down, whispering to her.

As a small group of officials moved forward, the Princess said: ‘I am sorry I am late.’

It was all over quickly. The Princess paused to admire the colourful banks of chrysanthemums, stepped into the Pullman and called for Susan.

On a table already laid for tea there were an illustrated map of the 90-minute journey to Winchester, copies of the London evening papers carrying full descriptions and pictures of the wedding, a vase of lemon and rose carnations —and four sprigs of rosemary.

The rosemary was a little mystery. All the railway officials knew was that there had been a telephone call informing them that it was on the way, and asking them to please place it on the Princess’s table.

Attached to the loosely tied sprigs was a small plain card with this written transcription: ‘God bless you both. Rosemary for remembrance. To wish you both every possible good wish.

‘From this same tree came rosemary for your christening and for your little garden too. From Mac and Smith.’ There was no address. Officials and attendants withdrew from the coach and at 4:21pm, six minutes late, the train pulled out.

For the first time since their wedding, the Prince and Princess were alone.