Monica often gets the bus to Trafalgar Square to sit on her favourite bench. She loves the square because there is always something going on. It also gives her a chance to do her scratch cards.
Monica is 77 and was born in St Lucia. In 1960 when she was 18, she came to the UK on the ship 'Bianca C.' Monica was seasick for most of the 3-week voyage. It could have been worse, because a year later, the ship sank off the coast of Grenada.
Life wasn't easy when she first arrived in the UK. She saw the signs in the windows, “No blacks, no Irish and no dogs" and the chilblains were horrible.
She got a civil service job and, eventually, became the Prime Ministers messenger in Number 10 Downing Street.
She worked for Tory PM, John Major and Labour PM, Tony Blair. She said they were always nice to her, "Because I was always nice to them."
Tony Blair introduced her to Mandela. She remembers waiting in the hallway, and before she even saw him, she immediately recognised 'Papa Mandelas' voice. He signed her book for her.
There was a lunch at Number 10 to celebrate ex-PM Ted Heaths' 80th birthday. Mr. Major asked Monica if she would like to meet 'Her Majesty,' and Monica was introduced to The Queen.
Monica told me that the Queen was softly spoken and asked, 'How long have you been here?' Monica wasn't sure if she meant how long you have been in the job or how long you have been in the UK. She can't remember her answer because she was so nervous - she just curtseyed as the Queen replied, "I hope you enjoy your stay."
She said the rudest visitor was Vladimir Putin. He walked past her. He said, 'Goodbye,' but didn't look at her once.
Monica met many famous people like Shirley Bassey and Cliff Richard, and she enjoyed the parties on the lawn at the back of Number 10. She said there was no Covid then, so the parties were no problem.
Monica has two sons and 5 grandkids and owns her house in East Ham.
When she was at school back in St Lucia. The girls hoping to come to the UK had to write down what they wanted to achieve when they got here. Monica wrote that she would love to meet the Queen. The teacher laughed and said, 'You never will.'
