I pressed the red button for the Queen
Discover more from Tom Watson's Newsletter
I pressed the red button for the Queen
My Buckingham Palace adventure with the inventor of the World Wide Web
“So you are my new digital minister?” said Queen Elizabeth with a put-me-at-ease smile, and a mischievous glint in her eye. “Yes, Ma’am”.
If Sir Tim Berners-Lee was as nervous as me, he didn’t show it. He and I had been summoned to the palace to play a starring role in the launch of the Royal Web Site. This required us to stand in front of a big screen, on a small temporary stage, before an audience of digital pioneers.
The red button was big enough for Tim’s and my hand to press in unison. Once pressed, an official of the palace, sitting behind the stage with an open laptop, struck the return key. As if by magic, the new whizz-bang royal website appeared on the screen. Her Majesty found the whole pantomime hilarious.
Much has been made of Queen Elizabeth’s sense of humour these last 36 hours. That’s my memory of her. That’s how I’ll remember her. God Rest Her Soul.
My afternoon singing Beatles songs with a harpist at Clarence House
When I think of King Charles III, I first think of his warmth and kindness. He hosted a reception for UK employers who encouraged their staff to become Reservists. The King was as generous with his time as his wine cellar.
Little known is that there is a Royal harpist who, after some encouragement from Welsh guests at the reception, changed the repertoire to play a Beatles song for the enthralled audience.
The then Prince of Wales was delighted that his harpist had brought so much pleasure to the occasion. I know we’re in a period of national anguish right now, but his kindness and warmth will prevail and get us through. He’s a good man, and he’s going to be a great King.
Tony Watson
Thursday was also the first anniversary of my dad’s death. I think this is us at the Labour Party Conference shortly after my first speech as deputy leader. To give me an impromptu hug, he’d caused a security scare by running backstage with the wrong pass. I think about you every day, Dad.
I pressed the red button for the Queen
Lovely memories and a lovely photograph with your dad.
Tom I did not know that your dear father had passed. Mine has been gone these 12 years and there's never day (including today) that he's not with me. I'm sure that will be the case with you, my friend. A lovely photo!