I have given strict orders that if I am out and The Queen calls she is under no circumstances to be allowed in to the house.

I am fearful that she might take after her grand-mother, Queen Mary, who loved visiting people's houses. She would point out something that she liked – a decorative item, a picture, some jewellery or even a set of dining chairs – and compliment her reluctant hostess on her taste. The poor lady would then be obliged, such was Queen Mary's frightening demeanour, to hand over said item. If not it was said it would in any case be pocketed or purloined. Queen Mary's high moral code and strong sense of duty did not always extend to herself in matters of baubles.

One can imagine the horror of receiving a visitation from the great lady. I have two letters which gloriously show the manners of the time and are an exercise in reading between the lines. They are sent from Lady Cynthia Colville, one of Queen Mary's ladies in waiting, to Mrs. Hippisley who owned Ston Easton Park, a fine house in Somerset, which was later converted into a splendid hotel. The first line demonstrates the risks involved in self and house publicity.

Badminton, Glos. 7th April 1945

Lady Cynthia presents her compliments to Mrs. Bayntun Hippisley and writes to say that Queen Mary has been greatly interested in seeing in a recent issue of 'Country Life' some very charming photographs of Ston Easton Park. If agreeable to Commander and Mrs. Hippisley Her Majesty would very much like to come over and see Ston Easton Park one day soon, and would suggest almost any day in the near future that would be convenient to Commander and Mrs. Hippisley – other things being equal Saturdays are perhaps the best days for the Queen, and for instance next Saturday April 14th would be a very good day for Her Majesty if it happened to suit.

The Queen could drive over to arrive about 3 p.m. Or whatever time Mrs. Hippisley would suggest, that is if the idea commends itself to her.

If she would care to telephone Lady Cynthia is nearly always available between 10 and 12a.m.

The second letter........

Badminton, Glos. 10th April 1945

I am commanded by Queen Mary to thank you warmly for your kind and welcoming letter. It will be a great pleasure to Her Majesty to see you and Commander Hippisley as well as your lovely house. Indeed, dust sheets and war time gardens are most familiar sights these days, and the Queen will quite understand any and all war conditions. Her Majesty wonders if she might make so bold as to ask for a cup of tea, if that is not too inconvenient? Actually the smallest and simplest tea would be all that the Queen would suggest which is what we have here – a plate of bread and butter (or margarine), and a few biscuits or something like that would of course be more than enough, or anything that you found convenient. But you must let me know quite truthfully whether the idea is at all acceptable.

If so, there is one other request which sounds formidable, but really is not. The Queen would have her chauffeur and detective (who sits on the box) and two despatch riders to show the way. If the tea suggestion is at all possible these four would bring their own tea, sugar, milk and food, if they might have somewhere to eat it with your servants or, of course, anywhere that suits you.

They are four particularly nice men and generally have great social success wherever they go.

The Queen's own party would probably be three – Her Majesty, Major Wickham (The Queen's private secretary) and myself. But if the tea idea should appeal to you, do believe me that a complete 'austerity' tea is all that is suggested, and the four others would need only space and no refreshment.

If you cared this time to telephone to me (Badminton 2) or telegraph, I will tell Her Majesty what you think about this suggestion.

Yours sincerely

Cynthia Colville

I have to go now. There is a knock at the door and I haven't finished hiding the silver..