King Charles III has sent a thank you card to residents and staff at a Huddersfield care home – after they sent their condolences following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Those living and working at Thornhill Care Home, on Thornhill Road, Edgerton, were surprised to receive the signed card, which included a photo of the young Charles with his late mother.
The King wrote: “It was so very kind of you to send me such a wonderfully generous message following the death of my beloved mother.
“Your most thoughtful words are enormously comforting, and I cannot tell you how deeply they are appreciated at this time of immense sorrow.”
The care home’s activities co-ordinator Ilona Ruttle had made a card for residents and staff to sign back in September, so they could offer their condolences to His Highness and the rest of the Royal family.
The card’s cover included a photo of the young Queen, with “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. 1926 – 2022” written at the top and “Condolences” at the bottom.
Inside there were dozens of short messages, including “Rest in peace”, “Deepest Condolences”, “Her legacy will live on forever” and “I wish you healing and peace.”
Ann Slater, 84, a resident at Thornhill Care Home, was one of those who signed the card. On receiving a reply from the King, she said: “The card was very much appreciated and so nice to see.”
Fellow resident Reene Wyatt, 86, (below) added: “It was so lovely to have been sent this from the King.”
Ian Sandy, home manager at Thornhill Care Home, (above right) said: “Like the rest of the country, the residents and staff at Thornhill Care Home felt the passing of the Queen very deeply.
“We wanted to offer our condolences to the Royal family but we never expected to get a signed reply from King Charles III – so it was a wonderful surprise for everyone here.
“The card has taken pride of place in the living room and many of the residents enjoy looking at the beautiful photo inside and reading the King’s kind words.”
