FOOTMAN and valet to Royalty, Ross Gairn shared his experiences in Bealiba on Sunday as the first King’s Birthday holiday in 70 years was observed.
Ross was guest speaker at Dunolly Gilbert and Sullivan Festival afternoon attended by 40 people from across the Loddon and adjoining areas.
The Australian who is again living in Melbourne, spent almost a decade in service of the Royal family in the 1970s.
He was first in the comptroller’s office at Balmoral Castle, Scotland before becoming a footman to Queen Elizabeth and then served as a valet to her husband, Prince Phillip for six years.
Ross recalled how one of his jobs in his early years was walking the corgis. “I got on well with them,” he said.
The pianist and composer also shared the personally written reply from the Queen to his letter of condolence after the death of Prince Philip in 2021.
Monday’s royal gathering was in the former Catholic church, owned by Ross’ nephew Phillip Smith. Members of the local CWA catered for the function.