 |
Frances Miller, 90, hangs photos of the British royal family in her Whitefield home. (Kathy Onorato photo) |
Buy this photo |
By Kathy Onorato
Since she was “knee high to a grasshopper,” 90-year-old Frances Miller, of Whitefield, said she has been interested in the lives of the British royal family and sends cards and gifts to England for special occasions and in return she receives acknowledgments in the form of royal mail sent from Buckingham Palace.
Miller, Canadian born, said she probably got her interest in the royal family from her mother since talk of the royal family was prevalent in her home as a child. She remembers her mother being very upset about King Edward VII leaving the throne for Wallis Simpson.
Throughout the years of royal-watching, Miller has made a few observations about the family and has been particularly intrigued by Kate Middleton.
“There is just something special about her,” Miller said. “It’s the way she looks directly into the eyes when she speaks.”
“My mother once advised me, if someone can’t look you in the eye when you talk to them, be aware,” Miller said.
When Middleton and Prince William got married, Miller said she felt as if the couple were close friends and began taking an interest in their lives. From the courtship, marriage and the birth of their first child, Miller recorded their birthdays and anniversaries so she doesn’t miss a chance to send them a card.
Unlike Prince William’s parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Charles and Diana, Miller said, William and Kate are truly in love. “You can see it upon their faces,” she said.
She recalls during the fairy tale wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, she didn’t remember Diana smiling like most brides do. “She didn’t seem happy even on her wedding day,” Miller said.
Miller said what she has read about William is that he loved his mother, Princess Diana, very dearly. “If she could be alive today, she’d be so happy on how she brought them [her children, Princes William and Harry] up,” Miller said.
Miller said she and her husband, Charles, were celebrating her birthday at The Lobster Pound in Lincolnville Beach last July, when she eyed a baby set with red lobsters on the hat, booties and sweater.
She asked the clerk how much it cost, and the clerk told her it was $60. “I just had to buy it,” she said. The gift was sent to England for the birth of Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, born July 22, 2013.
In return Miller receive a photo of Prince William and Princess Kate holding their new son. On back of the photo the message reads: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were most touched by the thoughtful gift you kindly sent on the occasion of the birth of their son, Prince George.
“The Royal Highnesses have been overwhelmed by all the wonderful messages and gifts they have received and send you their warmest thanks and best wishes.”
As for why she would send a gift to a child that has so much, she said, “They are really just like us,” adding every parent enjoys the attention a new child brings.
As for Queen Elizabeth II, Miller said, “She’s been a good queen.”
However, she did say the Queen could have done better as far as Princess Diana was concerned. Miller said she felt the Queen could have done more to discourage the affair Prince Charles was having with Camilla Parker Bowes.
“I don’t understand why the Queen didn’t interfere to try to stop it. Everyone listens to the Queen,” Miller said.
“When Princess Diana died, she didn’t show any real respect to her,” Miller said. “She (the Queen) had to put up a good front.” Miller said she read “Diana,” by Sarah Bradford, which, she believes, is a true account.
The Queen will turn 88 on April 1 and Miller plans to send her a birthday card.
Miller said, “Prince Harry is a lot like his Uncle Edward.” Although Miller admits Harry has settled down somewhat, she said he has been known to chase women.
The Whitefield couple married 13 years ago, after losing their respective spouses.
Remembering back then, Miller remembers her daughter-in-law attempted to get Charlie to call her to meet. “He didn’t call me, so I invited him over for coffee and muffins.” Miller said. “The rest is history,” she said.
The couple likes to play beano and visit friends but have been staying close to home this winter. “We are struggling to get through the winter,” Miller said.
“Right now we live to eat,” her husband Charlie said.
