A classroom assistant from Irvine was introduced to the future King Charles III when she attended a garden party – which proved to be one of the last major events hosted by the late Queen in Scotland.
Freda Kerr headed along to the event at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on June 29 with her husband Billy, who was asked along to mark his community service through local history research.
The mother-of-two, who recently became a grandmother, works at St Mark’s Primary School in Irvine.
She said: “I was Billy’s plus one. This was my first time at a garden party and it was very exciting, just spectacular in lovely surroundings.
“It helped that it was a lovely day and the atmosphere was just amazing.
“I was about 30 yards away from Princess Anne and I saw the Queen inside through a window. I also saw the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
“Prince Charles was opposite us and we expected him to pass us but the next thing was he was in front of us.
"He came over and asked where I had come from and I said the west coast of Scotland, from Irvine. He said it was a lovely day and he hoped we would enjoy it and shook my hand.
"He was a bit smaller than I thought. If he had been able to stay longer he would have been very good to talk to.
“I didn’t think I would feel as good as I did having talked to him. It was special, there’s no doubt about it. I have spoken to the King and at the time didn’t realise it.”
Freda added: "The fact the Queen died in Scotland makes people realise how important it was to her. I was devastated at her death and have been watching the news.”
And Freda is hopeful the new Sovereign will be a success as he adapts to his new role at the most challenging of times.
She added: “It’s very early days but I’m really looking forward to what he’s going to bring to us."
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines –sign up to our free daily newsletter here
