Invitation to the Palace

Trishna Devi Pall Kusbia

1997

There have been many days that I would love to write about but I think this one will remain with me forever. It was a normal Monday morning in April 1997 and I left the house, walked along Pilrig Street, down Leith Walk and into the office at 19 Smiths Place. There was no one else in yet. I always go in early just so I can spend some quiet time and reflect on what has happened the night before. Anyway the mail was on my desk and I had just acquired a new swivel chair so I was swinging it around just flicking through the mail and there it was; an invitation with the crest of St. James Palace on the back. I just looked at it and thought someone is winding me up. I opened it and by this time I was laughing to myself and thinking who thought this one up and where did they get the stamp and paper to look like this? Especially when I noticed the date for the event Friday 13th June 1997.

Then I read the whole thing and I was gob smacked there in embossed writing was my invitation from HRH Prince Charles the Prince of Wales inviting me to attend an event commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Commonwealth. I was being invited because of the voluntary work that I do with the Sikh Community. By this time I was really laughing out loud and had actually started phoning my brothers and sisters and asking them who was playing games. They all said dont be daft why would we do something like that why dont you phone up the number where you have to RSVP to and ask them what its about? ... (continues)