"I declare before you all
"that my whole life, whether it be long or short,
"shall be devoted to your service
"and to the service of our great imperial family
"to which we all belong."
In the grounds of Frogmore House, Windsor Castle,
Her Majesty was seen in the role as mother during a few days respite
from all cares of State
when we took these pictures.
The gardens were laid out in the reign of George III.
They had become overgrown when Queen Mary, the present Queen's grandmother,
had them redesigned.
However, none of that is known as yet to the baby in the pram - Prince Edward.
Prince Andrew, five last February,
probably feels quite senior now that he has a baby brother.
The pleasures of family life are enjoyed less frequently by the baby's mother and father
less frequently than by ordinary parents.
To be Head of the Commonwealth entails long absences abroad.
And what a sacrifice that must be is brought home to us
by these glimpses of the happiness that comes to the Royal Family
when they are all at home together.
Prince Philip said recently that
that he devotes his time to the family during the school holidays
whenever possible.
But he too, as an unofficial ambassador
(the finest Britain ever had) makes many foreign tours,
while the Prince of Wales and Princess Anne are, for two-thirds of the year,
away at school.
So how prized are these days
comparatively few when they are all together?
The people of this country, and of all the Commonwealth,
wish happiness to this united family.
