The contest was "write us a letter and tell us why we should chose you to have lunch with Prince Philip". I knew I needed to be different so I wrote a short one page letter:
"I often get invited out to business lunches. For once, I'd like to have lunch with a true gentlemen that looked at my face, not my breasts (I may have put boobs, I can't remember)."
The radio station called me and I was one of three people picked! It was during the week and I asked my sister Louise to join me. We got all dressed up, and took Skytrain downtown. It was her first and I believe only time on Skytrain.
The lunch was held in the Hotel Vancouver ballroom. The tables were beautifully set and a lot of people attended the lunch. I skipped out to the ladies 25 minutes before the Prince was expected to arrive. I saw a bunch of men in suits talking to their watches. Then up the stairs walked the Prince! I was surprised at how short he was. He's was 6'0" but beside Queen Elizabeth who is 5'2" he appeared much taller in photos. They kept him hidden until his grand entrance.
There were eight people seated at each of the tables. At our table, there were two people from the radio station and three winners with their guests. Meeting the other contestants that won was interesting. I sat beside a lovely lady about 80 who came from Victoria. She was with her daughter who submitted a beautiful six page hand written letter. Her mom was born in the UK, and immigrated to Canada. She was the president of the Victoria chapter of the Monarchist League of Canada! They had time before lunch to read one more letter. They read mine. Every one had a good laugh. My sister just rolled her eyes.
Prince Philip made a wonderful speech. He talked about the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. I'd never heard of the awards but he explained how they chose the recipients. The Prince came to Vancouver to present the awards to the winners. I had a great respect for his commitment to so many good causes. He did a lot for the environment and had many royal duties he performed to perfection. I'm sure they will honor him in the next few days.
What a wonderful memory. It was before smart phones so I have no pictures. I have the memories and those will never go away. Rest in peace, Prince Philip. You were the longest living consort and served your country with dignity and grace.
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