A POSTMISSTRESS from Enham was 'full of pride and joy' to attend a recent garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Leslie Francis the sub-postmaster for Enham Alamein Post Office was delighted to attend the first royal garden party on Tuesday, May 9 following the King's Coronation on May 6.
Leslie and her husband, Tim, were invited to the event after Leslie received a British Empire Medal in the New Year's Honours for providing services to her Hampshire community.
READ MORE: Enham Alamein Postmistress receives British Empire Medal in Winchester
The couple attended Buckingham Palace alongside 8,000 others for what was a "lovely afternoon".
Leslie said: "I have been a great admirer of the queen and will give my support to the king without a doubt. So, to have an automatic invitation to the royal garden party was amazing.
"It was an absolute privilege to be surrounded by like-minded people, from all walks of life, with the common goal of supporting others and their community.
"It was marvellous to be there and be a part of history."
King Charles was not present at the garden party but the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, accompanied by Princess Anne attended the event.
Tim added: "Leslie has always loved the royal family, it was two years ago we were invited to a royal party held by the Queen. So it felt amazing to be invited back to the palace.
"She was full of pride and joy all afternoon, we had a great time! At one point Leslie was less than two feet away from Prince William."
Leslie and her husband, Tim, took on the Village store and Post Office in Enham Alamein 18 years ago. They had moved from Shirley in Southampton to a close-knit village with many elderly residents and people with disabilities. Her daughter’s reaction was “you will love it there as you love to help people".
Previously speaking about her honour, Leslie said: "I was surprised and honoured to receive the British Empire Medal.
"I had tears of joy running down my face, but I couldn’t let on, even to my friend who was in the shop at the time, only to reassure her that it was good news."
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