Before leaving on what was to become the first of two Commonwealth Tour’s I learned what would really be expected of a lady-in-waiting.
It was though, at a reception one evening before the tour left, when I realised that elements of my relationship with Lilibet were about to change and become more formal. Upon spotting me, Queen Mary immediately took me to one side telling me somewhat firmly: ‘As you will from now be in waiting, you are to stop calling her Lilibet and only refer to her as Princess Elizabeth or ma’am.’