It's the details ...

[MrsLeonFarrell]

In amongst all the articles that the tabloids release today, most of which will probably try to stir up division or spread gossip for clicks, I liked this article from The Daily Mail (I know), about the behind the scenes plans and hitches that come with planning a large occasion.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals/article-12493671/Is-quiet-headquarters-HUGO-VICKERS-reveals-one-innocuous-question-sparked-Queens-men-race-globe-prepare-funeral-never-forget.html

My favourite bit was this about the very solemn troop movements in Westminster Hall:

"it took longer than expected to deploy four officers into position simultaneously - since only three Household Cavalrymen in full regalia were able to fit into the lift."

I like the bit about the RSM of the company of Archers had lost his voice from rehearsing for the Edinburgh tattoo!

That was great too.

The details were really interesting, the human touches especially. This caught my eye:

[Garrison Sergeant Major AJ Stokes of the Coldstream Guards] arrived at his flat to find his fiancee Sue waiting up, with a meal and a cup of tea: she had been tracking his progress via his iPhone. Ensuring he had a flask, sandwiches and clean clothes ready for the next day, she also reminded him that his orderly and driver, Lance Corporal Flint, was a single parent and that his children would need minding after school. She volunteered for those duties.

I loved that bit, it gave a real sense of the military family.

I was fascinated by the coverage and was glued to the tv last year but the little human details in that article - like the boss's wife on childminding duties and the father of the bride speech being interrupted - actually made me a little emotional.

The Archers were commanded by Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin, who was impeded by a problem of his own: he was required to carry his sword in his left hand and also to use that hand when removing and replacing his headdress to lead the Three Cheers for His Majesty King Charles III.

Unluckily, he had lost three fingers on his left hand in a gardening accident earlier that year. A stuffed glove, built specially, allowed him to carry out his duties.

Fancy not letting him use his right hand as a 'reasonable adjustment'.

Very touching and yes the attention to detail was extraordinary.

I did think that was a bit strange. I wonder if it is a throw back to leaving your right hand free to salute?