Wartime Memories of the Honorary Alderman David Skinner MBE

I saw much trouble as a child, then 4 years RAF, 33 years HM Diplomatic Service, followed by 16 years as a Coventry City Councillor. I was honoured to meet Queen Elizabeth, King Charles when he was Prince, with Princess Diana, who was truly beautiful. Duke of Edinburgh. Photographed with Prince William.

Also met 10 British Prime Ministers, but not, so far, Mr Sunak.

My wife Sheila and I met in the Foreign Office. She had been in Chile and El Salvador. I had been in Bahrain and Democratic Republic of Congo. She was banned from working as the wife of a Service officer, as was the rule at the time. All changed now of course.

We went together to South Africa, Nigeria, Hannover, Bonn. I retired early because of disability, but am proud of my 3 Queen's Commissions and the MBE.

Princess Anne was so gracious when presenting my MBE that I burst into tears. Sheila told me off.

All our 5 children were born in different places. Sheila remembers where.