THE Wokingham borough mayor received a surprise in the post last week.
Cllr Caroline Smith was sent a card by His Majesty King Charles III in response to the borough’s condolence messages, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September.
The card, signed “Charles R”, reads: “It was so very kind of you to send me such a wonderfully generous message following the death of my beloved mother.
“Your most thoughtful words are enormously comforting, and I cannot tell you how deeply they are appreciated at this time of immense sorrow.”
Cllr Smith said she was “delighted” to receive the card and share it with residents.
“Upon checking my post, I noticed an envelope bearing the new cipher of King Charles III and a franked stamp from Buckingham Palace,” she explained.
“To my surprise, it was a beautiful card featuring a photograph of His Majesty as a young boy with his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
“The card inscription was touching, acknowledging the condolence messages and how much they were appreciated at this time of immense sorrow. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II is extremely sad and she will be greatly missed by millions of people around the world.”
During the national 10-day mourning period observed in September, Wokingham borough joined the rest of the country in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Many residents signed the book of condolence at the council’s Civic Offices in Shute End.
Handwritten and email messages were also accepted, printed and combined in the book of condolences.
An online book of condolence was also set up on the Royal Family official website for those wanting to send their condolences digitally.
