‘And today, just as every year, I sent my Christmas cards… but top of the list was reserved for Her Majesty,’ Andrew Simes posted on Facebook. (Source: Facebook) ‘And today, just as every year, I sent my Christmas cards… but top of the list was reserved for Her Majesty,’ Andrew Simes posted on Facebook. (Source: Facebook)

We have read cute stories of children writing letters to Santa Claus, the tooth fairy and even God. But this bunch of letters were addressed to a mortal. Not any mere mortal, though; the recipient was Queen Elizabeth II herself.

Since 1952, Andrew Simes’ grandfather had been sending Christmas cards to the Queen. In 1972, he had an opportunity to meet her in Izmis, Turkey. Ignoring social protocol, the Queen at once said, “so it’s you who keeps sending me those lovely Christmas cards.” She even wrote to him congratulating him on his 100th birthday.

In 2011, Andrew Simes — after his grandfather’s death that very summer — continued his Christmas ritual by sending a card to the Queen. A year later, Simes received a letter from the Buckhingam Palace. It was personally written by the Queen. It said, “When I received a letter from a different Simes this Christmas, I instructed my office to research your grandfather’s whereabouts. Therefore it is with much sadness I have learned of his passing and extend my condolences to you and your family.”

An emotional Andrew posted on Facebook: ‘I couldn’t fight back the tears then, nor can I fight them back every time I remember this story of two people who left a lifelong impression on each other. And today, just as every year, I sent my Christmas cards… but top of the list was reserved for Her Majesty.’

To those reading, he writes, ‘Wishing you all a Christmas as magical as this story.’

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest Trending News, download Indian Express App.