"A true Londoner who enjoyed many a lively party" is how a Raynes Park Pearly King described his organisation's patron the Queen Mother.
Harry Tongue, 79, from Raynes Park, is the oldest member of London's Guild of Pearly Kings and Queens and met the Queen Mum many times.
Mr Tongue said Her Majesty had special affection for the Pearly Kings and Queens. He said: "She really took to us and has been our patron as long as I can remember."
He remembered, with high regard, her decision to remain in the capital throughout the Second World War.
Mr Tongue and other members of the guild enjoyed lively parties with the Queen Mother, particularly during her birthday celebrations each year at the Houses of Parliament and he says their royal guest always joined in with a traditional cockney singsong.
"I played the piano and the Queen Mother would enjoy singing along. She knew all the old songs," he said.
He also remembered how she would indulge in one of her favourite tipples a pint of Guinness.
He added: "She was a wonderful woman and there will never be another like her. Although she was a Queen, she treated everybody the same, no matter who they were."
April 11, 2002 09:30
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