Royal Watch News

War veteran describes queen as a friend

Sep 7, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Queen Elizabeth

A Canadian war veteran has described Britain's Queen Elizabeth as a 'friend'.

Retired Sergeant Clarence Cluff recently received a Diamond Jubilee Medal at a ceremony in Alberta, Canada, and he says it was extra special because he knows the monarch as well her daughter, Princess Anne.

Clarence - who was presented with the medal by Alberta Lieutenant Governor Donald Ethell - said: 'I know the queen, you know. I've been at her garden parties. She's very nice. I always think of Princess Anne, too. She was so nice to our wounded veterans.

'Anytime we had a reunion you always found her back with the wheelchairs and the crutches. She called me her friend.'

Before the ceremony, Donald said the medal is a way of honouring the queen on the 60th anniversary of her reign as well as honouring some inspiring Albertans who are leaders and volunteers in their communities and have shown the same commitment to service as the monarch.

He told the Lethbridge Herald newspaper: '60 years is a long time. The queen has been our inspiration. She's been very loyal; she has set the standard on class and so forth. So for people to be nominated and to be granted the award of the Diamond Jubilee Medal I think is a very significant event. I'm absolutely honoured and delighted to participate in that ceremony.'