Royal Family follower from Wisbech shares some personal memories

Fenland’s most enthusiastic Royal watcher, Linda Boughen, has been sharing some of her special personal memories of the late Queen and the family and opening up her box of souvenirs and treasured keepsakes.

They include replies to letters which Linda (66) has sent to Royals over the years, newspaper cuttings, taken with the now Queen Consort Camilla at Sandringham and a tea towel which was a blueprint for a jubilee souvenir commissioned by the Daily Mail.

But up there in pride of place, framed and hanging on the wall at her home in Old Lynn Road, is a flannel that the then Prince of Wales used to mop his forehead at a scorching Sandringham show.

“He looked so hot walking round the flower show and when he came to our part of the crowd I offered it to him and he wiped his forehead and said thank you” said Linda.

“I’ve never washed it and it is in a frame. Not many people can say they have Prince Charles’ DNA in their house.”

Linda said that he has been an admirer and ardent follower of members of the Royal Family for many years and has made a point of writing to them on special occasions.

She wrote to Princes William and Harry offering condolences on the death of their mother Princess Diana, to others on birthdays and celebrations and to the late Queen on her birthdays and jubilee celebrations.

“I have always received a reply,” she said. “Admittedly they were from ladies in waiting or secretaries but I do have one which was hand written - it was from Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York after I wrote to her when she was a mother of two young children.

“I must have at least 20 letters which I keep in my memories box.”

Linda, who says husband Arthur, is “quite used” to the house being full of Royal memorabilia, has gone to Sandringham for the Royal visit to church at Christmas and to Sandringham Flower Show at every opportunity.

“I went to the show when the Queen Mother used to attend and when Charles went with her.

“I have followed him there ever since, shaken his hand and had pictures taken.

“Now I have written expressing sorrow about the loss of the Queen.”