Sir Henry Philip Mert, you used to be a cook for the Queen, why do you want to Immigrate and live in America?
My great granddaddy went to the new world in the 1800s, and my Grandfather after him, in the 1920s. This place of dreams made us think of building families, building life. My Wife and I want to make a life of our own, My post as the Queen's staff, as much as I loved it, was to be in the past.
My life as a cook started first in the kitchen, my dishwashing skills were put to good use when my Mother died of Influenza and my Daddy left us to go to the war, later he went to America to marry another woman, my Grandfather is living there too, so I supposed someday I will find them, always dreamnt of having a piece of land, work that land and be fruitful and happy with children running in the yard with dogs and animals too.
I wanted to be mad at my Father, but my Mother painted a good image of him since I was a child. He was the best father, carried me around when I was playing outside. He wiped my tears when I fell and cried. I wanted to find him and ask him why he left me. But my life in London kept me busy, wanted to be a singer, I joined groups of dancers and singers, almost reaching the theater life, when my Mother suddenly died and I worked for myself. I was just 19 when I first worked in the palace, washing dishes everyday for 5 years. When the assistant cook got sick I became the reliever, I loved the smell of herbs and spices mixed in to the meat, and making them beautiful for Her Majesty.
I witnessed many many grand parties, sparkling silverwares, golden spoons and wondrous palaces in my years of service. One night the future Queen of England and the Commonwealths, asked for some milk and cookies, and nobody was awake, but I answered her call, and I brought the food to her room. She was smiling, and said, the little Prince is kicking me so hard that I woke up, she was carrying the next Prince of Wales in her womb. Your majesty, here are your biscuits and warm milk. Oh how lovely, I thought no one is answering at this hour that I would get them myself, so Thank you very much, Henry is it?, Yes, Ma'm, I was reading a really good book about salads when I heard the telephone rang. Henry I like that name, a good name for a boy. You know that my Daddy was red haired just like you. I hope my Son and Grandsons have red hair. I'm sure you will Ma'm, have a good evening. Thank you again Henry, I shall finish this off as I am knackered by Philip's loud snoring. I closed the door, and went on my way to the staff's quarters.
The days after that night was astonishing a baby was born on the 14th of November, 1948 a foggy night, a very special breeze has come upon the Buckingham Palace, the Reigning King George VI, was smoking his cigar at his quarters, The Queen mother brushing her hair at her quarters, both were gloriously happy upon hearing the birth of The child who will be King someday, I was serving them day and night, they closed their doors as they wanted to cherish this very private family time with the new born heir, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh His Majesty Prince Philip were very happy indeed.
I also dreamnt of having my own family, a wife and child of my own, I was knighted by the Queen, on March 1950, the Prince was 1 year and 4 months old. He almost fell off the grand staircase of the Palace when I was walking towards the foot of the stairs, I saw him and I ran and dashed towards him, and like an eagle I came soaring running leaping to reach for the boy, and I caught him in my arms. His nanny running towards us, and crying, Oh Henry, Sir what could've happened if you were not there to save His Royal highness our beloved Prince Charles. She was shaking I held her hand, I told her He is going to be just fine. The child went on his way smiling, laughing, as if He wasn't in any danger seconds ago.
So you're saying you once saved The Prince of Wales?, The US immigration Officer inquired, INS( Immigration and Naturalization Service) called Henry the Prince's saviour.
I won't say that I was His saviour, but as my severance from my duties told me, I was never to speak of it ever again. In my heart I knew I did something right. They gave me a most generous gift, of owning my own land, anywhere I would wish to live in. And I chose America to be where I build my new life.
A week later my Visit with the INS was granted with approval.
Mother how come you never told me my Dad was in an accident last Summer?, When did you hear that and who told you? Mother asked, Aunt Cecil told me. I spilled, as I was fixing my seatbelt.
That blabber mouth always telling people what they shouldn't know.
Why didn't I have to know that? He is my father.
Did you know that your grandfather never really warmed up to your father. I'll tell you anything you want to know when we get home. Your father will be thrilled you finally visited.