I remember when I was very small my mother telling me that the king was dead. And I also remember very clearly watching the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth on the TV at a neighbour's house.
Prince Philip was the Chancellor of Edinburgh University where I studied, and I stood in line while he passed along, talking to many of the students.
My father (GPO Telecommunications officer) met and talked to Princess Margaret at Kensington Palace, in order to arrange telephone systems there.
I've seen HM when she visited Norwich years ago and have arranged celebrations for the Silver Jubilee at the school where I taught.
However I'm very surprised that my attitude towards the monarchy has completely changed. I now see it as an anachronism which should come to an end after the Queen has passed away. I can't see the use of them, and rather resent their privileges and enormous wealth. I would never ever curtsy to any human being. They aren't 'elected' and the usual defence of 'they attract tourism' could be continued if all royal residences were opened to the public.