Cards from Komani to beloved queen
There are still many royalists in our communities, and some who may wish they had the boldness to write to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, especially after she and her family visited Komani in 1947.
Well, one local family did. The late Hilson Shuman’s father, Ken, loved “most things British”, and was thrilled to meet King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and princesses Elizabeth and Margaret during the royal visit to SA in 1947.
Shuman led the calvary procession to Komani.
He broke protocol, dismounted and introduced himself to the royal family including the young Princess Elizabeth who later became Queen Elizabeth II.
He was always very taken by the queen and said she was a gracious lady.
Over the years, whenever Queen Elizabeth celebrated milestone birthdays or events, the Shuman family made sure there were cards of best wishes from them in SA.
They always received an acknowledgement from Buckingham Palace and often a short note from Queen Elizabeth herself.
At the beginning of July 2016, the Shuman family
received an acknowledgement from Buckingham Palace in the form of a “thank you card” and a personal letter from Queen Elizabeth II.
It read: “I send you my grateful thanks for the kind words you have sent to me on the occasion of my 90th birthday.”
Recently, grandson Ken, (Hilson’s son) sent the following letter, addressed to King Charles III. Ken used his first name, William, which is very “English”.
“Dear Sir, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“The Shuman family would like to express heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
“We join many millions across the globe in paying tribute to a much loved and respected monarch, a figure known for her profound sense of duty and devotions to her country and the
commonwealth. Her loss will be greatly felt, and her service always remembered. Yours faithfully, William Shuman.”
This letter was enclosed in a beautifully designed card.
Did you know that Cyril Ramaphosa will be the world’s first president to be visiting King Charles III on an official state visit.
How amazing is that. The monarchy is still keeping up their ties with our country.