Queen Elizabeth is said to have been 'delighted' to see the Crown Jewels recreated by elderly residents at a County Durham care home ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting, The Honourable Mary Morrison, sent a letter to Pelton Grange Care Home, Pelton, after residents sent photos of their crafty creations directly to Windsor Castle.
Residents recreated St Edward’s Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb, Sceptre, Rod and Throne from cardboard, tinfoil, purple velvet, and plastic jewels, among other materials.
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In response, the letter from Windsor Castle read: “The Queen wishes me to write and thank you for your letter.
“Her Majesty was interested to hear about the 'Crown Jewels' the residents at Pelton Grange Care Home created in honour of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and her Majesty was delighted to see photographs of the items in the process of being crafted, and after their completion.
“The Queen would be pleased if you would pass on her best wishes to your residents and staff, and Her Majesty’s hope that they greatly enjoy the celebrations planned for this special year.”
Edna Pickles, 95, a resident at Pelton Grange Care Home, said: “I’m so proud of what we’ve made. I hope the Queen loves what we’ve done.”
Ernest Guy, 84, added: “I can’t believe we have made these. Incredible and unbelievable.”
Christina ‘Kitty’ Storer, 77, said: “It was wonderful that we received a letter from the palace. They must receive so many. It was a surprise they wrote back.
“They must have liked our pictures of the throne. I loved making it and the crown - I felt like a queen sitting on it.”
Home manager at Pelton Grange, Fiona Wilson, said: “Our residents loved creating our own jewels. They felt they were as priceless as the real thing.
“We were all thrilled to receive a response from the palace after sending photos of our Crown Jewels. It was very kind of The Honourable Mary Morrison to take the time to write back.
“We have a street party planned for the weekend and little surprises throughout for the residents, as well as an entertainer. It will be a lovely day and I’m hoping families will be able to join in.”
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