Youngsters from Colchester whose dads have been serving in Iraq have been to London to see the Queen.
The 31 children and their mums joined in the Queen's celebrations for the 50th anniversary of her Coronation at a party at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen invited children picked by the Soldiers', Sailors', Airmen and Families' Association (SSAFA) to join youngsters helped by Barnardo's and the London Taxi Drivers' Association to join in the special children's tea party.
She was joined by Prince Philip and children were able to enjoy a circus as well as getting a glimpse of the Queen.
Rebecca Chambers was due to present the Queen with a badge marking her role as patron of SSAFA and a picture of the Queen Mother, who attended the organisation's 70th birthdy party.
Ten-year-old Rebecca and her brother Daniel, seven, attend St Michael's School.
Their dad Warrant Officer 2 Jamie Chambers is in Iraq with 216 Signal Squadron.
His wife Marie said: "He's been e-mailing us. He has just fixed the Iraqi TV station and phone lines.
"I think the party's a lovely idea, especially with their dads out there. They seem to be forgotten."
Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003
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