Welsh Care Worker Left “Overwhelmed” After Surprise Chat with King Charles
A care worker said meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace was “the stuff of dreams” after years serving her community.
Helen Briscoe, 59, works at the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham, was invited to a Royal Garden Party after attending more than 500 civic engagements alongside Wrexham Mayor Cllr Tina Mannering.
The head housekeeper, from Hope, described the moment King Charles personally approached them at Buckingham Palace as an “enormous privilege” and one of the proudest memories of her life.
Helen, who has worked at Pendine Park for 14 years, said she was “overwhelmed” when the King stopped to speak to the pair after spotting the Mayor’s ceremonial chain during the prestigious royal event.
Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE said everyone at the care group was thrilled that Helen was appointed Lady Consort and even more delighted that she was able to visit Buckingham Palace.
He said: “Helen is an extremely efficient housekeeper who puts in 100 per cent for us, making sure our residents are as comfortable as possible.
“She is passionate about doing a good job so it is wonderful to know that she has had the chance to enjoy such a Royal treat.”
Helen described how the day began with a march by the famous ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London, the red-costumed Beefeaters.
Not long after the National Anthem was played and the King and Queen Camilla started touring the Palace grounds, chatting with guests.
Helen said: “We were both overwhelmed that with so many VIPS all around he should take the time to speak with us. Tina even pointed out to him the historic Lady Consort chain which I was wearing.”
The Lady Consort chain is gold, enamelled Tudor roses and Prince of Wales plumes on enamelled shields with lions and crosiers. It also includes a circle of diamonds framing a miniature portrait of the late Queen Alexandra, who was the wife of King Edward VII.
Helen said: “Wrexham Council is very proud to have such a beautiful piece among its Mayoral regalia. We believe there are only two of these particular style of chains in the world and the other one is owned by the Royal family.”
“I have felt so fortunate to be able to wear it during my time supporting the Mayor and all the great work she has done over the last year.”
She said the invitation from the King to attend the Royal Garden Party came as a complete surprise after they were nominated to attend in recognition of their dedication to the community of Wrexham.
As her official charity for the year the Mayor chose the Dynamic Wrexham group, supporting children and young adults with disabilities. Through a series of fundraising events, donations and sponsorship they have now raised more than £60,000 to fund a much needed new minibus for the group.
Helen and Cllr Mannering have known each other since schooldays and remained life-long friends ever since. They even worked together for a spell in the past.
Before joining the care sector Helen was an admin assistant for a taxi firm and also worked at Bradley Village Shop when it was then owned by Cllr Mannering.
Helen said: “We’ve always been great pals and I think the last year has made us even more appreciative of the power of good friendships. I’ve always been aware of Tina’s community spirit but it has been eye-opening for me to witness first hand the amount of work she puts in to promoting everything Wrexham.”
Helen added: “It was truly dazzling to enjoy the pomp and ceremony of such a special occasion as a Royal Garden Party, but it was also a pleasure to meet and talk to some of our fellow guests. It was humbling to hear about their interesting stories and what they have done for their own communities.”
She said: “Compared to several of my co-workers I am fairly new to the care sector. Many of the people I work alongside have given several decades of service to Pendine Park.
“I feel fortunate to have been so warmly welcomed into the Bodlondeb team and I’ve become quite attached to the residents here.
“Every day as I’m going through my shift I love to chat to them and hear about their past careers and their beloved families. It is heartening to know they feel confident enough to they share their life stories with me.”
