Queen's passing brings back memories for BCC deputy chair

Delia, who was then working as head of vocational sciences at a Birmingham college, was awarded a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education 2002, for training specifically focused on the cleaning and hygiene industry. 
She was invited to a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Afterwards, Delia was honoured to talk with both the Queen and Prince Philip.

She recalled. "I met both the Queen and Prince Philip at the same time. It is such a wonderful memory. It was an absolute honour and I shall remember it dearly for the rest of my lifetime.
 

"After the event in the Picture Gallery, the Queen discussed the cleaning issues encountered at Windsor after the fire.

"The chandeliers she mentioned were ‘simply ghastly to clean‘ whilst Prince Philip was more concerned with the state of ditches in the countryside due to rubbish dumpling. 

"Also he was mesmerised by the see-through vacuum. ‘Such a novel idea ‘he said and asked me if I had one."

View the gallery for photos of the invite; the letter it came in; the medal awarded to Delia; a photo taken at the time of Delia with the medal; and photos of the Queen taken at the event.