Elizabeth hit the headlines at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival when photos of her dancing with fellow carnival goers in the pouring rain went viral.
I’ve lived in Notting Hill for a handful of years and my son took me along to the Carnival this year. I was pleased to be there and support it, why on earth shouldn’t I, after all? It was such a happy day – no wonder it takes a year to organise. I was twirled around and around by this beautiful man and of course it was caught on camera and got lots of coverage in the media. I thought he was such a good sport to dance with me – even though I felt I was moving like a bunch of sticks!
I wanted to be an actress when I was young and I got into the Royal Academy, but I wasn’t allowed to go because my parents thought it wasn’t respectable. In those days I did as I was told, which was a great pity. You could say I was a good child, but really, I fear I was spineless. I wish I had been defiant and spoken up for myself. Instead, I did everything I was told to do. I regret that.
I have three wonderful children who in many ways have been the greatest achievement of my life. My main priority for my children was always to let them be themselves. I was determined that I was not going to stand in their way; whatever they wanted to do, I would support. I didn’t want them to be obedient in the way I had been all those years ago.
In many ways, I feel like the richest woman in London! I am an optimist and I suppose I am not very introspective. What I know about myself is from what other people have told me. I haven’t noticed people treating me differently as I’ve got older ­– but then again, I truly don’t feel like I’m old.
I had the most wonderful father. I know I’m his daughter, so I’m biased, but he was really special. He died 71 years ago, ten days off my 21st birthday and I think about him every day. He taught me so much that something happens on a daily basis to remind me of him.
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