HM’S last letter thrills young Aussie pony fan
A PONY-LOVING little girl in Australia was one of the last people to receive a letter from the Queen. Olivia Akers, aged eight, who lives with her family on a dairy farm in Tallygaroopna in Victoria, sent a letter and photograph of herself dressed in a military uniform sitting astride her pony, Lady, as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Australia. She received a reply from the Palace on Thursday – Friday in Australia – the same day it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had died peacefully at the age of 96. Her mum Natalie described the timing of the precious letter as “very serendipitous”.
Olivia’s costume, which was inspired by the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, did not end up winning an online competition she had entered so mum and daughter decided to send the picture to the Queen along with a handwritten letter by Olivia. In her letter Olivia wrote: “Dear Queen Elizabeth, my name is Olivia Akers, I am eight-years-old and live in Tallygaroopna in Australia.
“I really liked your video with Paddington Bear. Do you really eat marmalade sandwiches?
“I have included some photos from an online horse fancy dress competition that was for your Platinum Jubilee.
“I hope you like my photos? My side saddle came from England. My pony’s name is Lady and she is an Australian pony. “How many horses do you have? I hope you had a lovely Jubilee. Love Olivia.”
The Queen’s reply was signed by Lady-inwaiting Annabel Whitehead, thanked Olivia for her thoughtfulness in writing to Her Majesty.
It said: “The Queen was interested to see the photographs you enclosed in which you and your splendid Pony, Lady, are depicted in the costume. “Her Majesty was touched to know that you too enjoy horse riding, and I am to thank you again for your thoughtfulness in writing to the Queen as you did at this time.” Ms Akers said: “Liv will treasure this memory for the rest of her life.” The Queen visited Australia 16 times during her reign.
Liv will treasure this memory for the rest of her life