Rose Kennedy letter
The matriarch mother of three U.S. senators, one of whom became president, enjoyed "one of the most fabulous, fascinating experiences of [her] life" not in Washington or the White House, but abroad. In December 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt appointed Rose Kennedy's husband, Joseph, U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain. A longtime businessman, Joseph Sr. had fought hard to win the top diplomatic post; as he repeatedly told one son, Robert, "things don't happen, they are made to happen in the public relations field."
The appointment, which would eventually end Joseph Sr.'s political career, began brightly. British society embraced the Kennedys, inviting them to parties and events that left their photographs–father, mother, and especially the children–scattered throughout the British papers. The family's beautiful matriarch, Rose, received an especially warm welcome. This diary entry describes the highlight of her three-year honeymoon with British high society: the family's trip to meet King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, at their home in Windsor Castle.
Diary of Rose Kennedy, Windsor
Windsor Castle
We came up from London in an embassy car from Windsor and drove through a large and beautiful park to arrive at the castle at 7:00 p.m. There we were met by the master of the household, Brig. General Sir Hill Child, who conducted us to our rooms. They were in one of the towers with a lovely view of the park, and were upholstered in red damask & white linen paper: there were accessories in gold and white. In my bedroom was a huge bed, also upholstered in red damask and set high, so one had to use a step stool to enter it. There were numerous servants in evidence, in full livery; soon one of them brought us sherry. Another, who as well as livery wore a peruke, was especially appointed to attend us and led the way whenever we left the suite.
After a few minutes of contemplating the scene, Joe turned to me and said "Rose, this is a hell of a long way from East Boston."
That weekend at Windsor was one of the most fabulous, fascinating experiences of my life. I took many diary notes. These are excerpts which I hope will be interesting to others: "At 8:20 the footman came to escort us to the green reception room. At 8:30 the King and Queen came in and greeted everybody by shaking hands. All the ladies curtsied. Dinner was announced and the King and Queen walked ahead ...
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