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Defiant against terror

Ava Soe
14/ 7/2005

AFTER the London terrorist attacks, a local veteran was determined to keep his date with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Octogenarian, Harold Holder, was invited to the palace with his wife, Muriel, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations for the end of hostilities.

As news of chaos in the capital reached the provinces, Harold began to wonder if there might be problems getting to the palace.

So he used all the skills he utilised as a wartime military policeman to ensure that he and his 'commanding officer' reached his destination.

Arriving at the palace amid tight security they were escorted through the palace to join other veterans and worthies for a VIP lunch. Harold and Muriel were astounded to see that some of their fellow diners were Tony Blair, former premier, Baroness Thatcher, and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

Talking about the day, Harold said: "It was fantastic. Although I wouldn't want to be a cab driver in London at the moment, as far as we were concerned, it was brilliant. While we were at the Palace, nothing was too much trouble.

"They even laid on a golf buggy to take us from the Palace gardens to Buckingham Gate because Muriel was overcome by the heat."