‘Which is why, as their King and Queen, we are visiting Canada in the spring, as you very well know.’ The King picked up his pen and made a start on signing his letters.

Mr Churchill continued. ‘So I have heard. Such a beautiful part of the British Commonwealth, almost a home from home. I first visited in 1900 myself. It is the lynchpin of the English-speaking peoples.’ Churchill gave the King a sly look. ‘Everyone must see Niagara Falls at least once. I stood there with the thundering water filling my ears, and my eyes looked over the border and into America. An extraordinary sight, one I shall never forget. I have promised many times to take Mrs Churchill to see it for herself.’

The King continued signing papers. ‘Yes, the Queen is very much looking forward to seeing Niagara Falls.’ He stopped mid-signature and paused. ‘What are you saying?’

‘I am merely mentioning that a tour of Canada, followed by a little hop over to America while you are there, may be rather pleasant.’

Tommy allowed himself a small smile.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Buckingham Palace, May 1939

Dear Mother and Dad,

I met Mr Norman Hartnell today! He is designing all the gowns for the royal tour of Canada and America. He is a young and slim man, maybe a little too intense. I heard someone call him a pansy and people laughed. I don’t what’s so funny about a pansy. I liked him very much. He made me laugh and he does make very beautiful clothes.

The Queen’s ladies-in-waiting are making preparations now for all the packing. Dozens of day clothes, work wear, relaxing wear, evening gowns, hats, gloves, bags, shoes, jewellery … the list goes on.

The Princesses will not be travelling with them but are very excited anyway. We have promised the Queen that we shall write often and if they can manage a telephone call to us we shall hold Dookie up to the mouthpiece so that the Queen can hear his panting. Margaret suggested pinching him to make him bark.

The Dowager Queen Mary has been very kind to me. When the King and Queen are away she has lined up several outings for the girls when they are not in the schoolroom with me. She will take them to museums, art galleries and even the Bank of England to see all the gold bars in the vault. How wonderful to have a grandmother who can open such doors to them.

I know you were asking about George in your last letter. I had a letter from him just yesterday and he is quite well. The bank keeps him busy in Aberdeen but I hope to see him in London soon. It seems strange to think our engagement has gone on for nearly two years now. My, how the time has flown! Mother, I know you wish to know when the wedding will be, but as I said in my last letter, we will have to wait a while longer. I cannot let the Princesses or their parents down. I would feel like a soldier who has deserted his post. With the royal tour approaching and all this talk of trouble in Europe, I simply cannot abandon them now. George completely understands, and if he is content to wait for me, could not you try to be content too?