Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the funeral of Winston Churchill.
In memory of the great man, I am posting this 1954-ish picture from the British Embassy in Washington DC, where my late father-in-law was posted at the time.
In the bottom left hand corner of the photo is the future Lady Magnon, sitting on the base of a column; bored out of her mind. The world's photographers had a field-day.
Churchill later asked her if she'd enjoyed his speech. History records that she replied 'Yes'. The little minx lied; Churchill's thoughts on the matter are not known.
26 comments:
A memorable photograph for your family. That's Anthony Eden on the right but do you know who it is in the middle?
We're not sure, but it is probably the ambassador. My late father-in-Law was behind the pillar. It must have been Suez era.
That is an amazing picture,Living the history without knowing it as a child.
What an amazing record of history to have in the family.
What a great picture and anecdote. Thanks for posting, Cro.
Great photo, great story Cro, I like the fact that Lady M was so polite and minxy :)
Twiggy
How lovely to have this photo in your collection - a piece of history.
Can't boast any intimacy with Churchill but I was there at his funeral. Lady M must have some wonderful memor
Splendid photograph! I was brought up to believe that Churchill was perhaps the greatest hero in the world and when he died I felt that the world was just not the same without him in it! In 1954 I was a nine-year old living in the somewhat distant state of Vermont. But many years later when living in Washington, DC, I spent many hours at the British Embassy -- on the production team of the British Embassy Players when they did their annual Old Time Music Hall ...
Blimey - that's one for the great-grandchildren!
You and Lady M must have just missed each other! How interesting.
WOW Cro …. that's amazing. Do you know who took the photograph ? XXXX
What a wonderful family heirloom!
Lucky for him she lied.
Is she still a little minx?
Some press photographer. They were paying more attention to the bored child than to WC. Not what he'd planned.
She is indeed.
Like little John John under JFK's desk...the child steals the show! Fabulous photo and piece of history.
Another example of the six degrees thingy...and a very cute photo.
All speeches, no matter how eloquent, are of no interest to a dear child. Now, if he had been talking about candy and fairies . . . It's a cute picture. How cool is it that she was there and had the evidence to prove it!
It is a great photograph. I am surprised if it has never been published somewhere.
I think that's such a brilliant photo - Lady M - a diplomat even at that young age.
I think this photo was taken on 28th June 1954 during Churchill's informal visit to President Eisenhower between 25-29 June. The 28th was spent at the British Embassy in Washington before the entourage flew on to New York the next day.
Thank you Philip. I did have a small look on the web, but didn't get far. I shall note that on the back.
Well taught by her father.
I think versions of it probably did reach what were 'US red tops' of their day.
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