I met a star: The Queen not amused by American toys

Queen Elizabeth II opted not to buy American-made toys being sold by a Kiwi working at Harrods during the traveller's OE in 1970. Photo / NZH Archive

Herald staff and readers reveal their up close and personal encounters with celebrities. Today Louise Yri tells of the time she tried to serve the Queen at Harrods.

In 1970 I was on my OE trying to make ends meet in London as a store demonstrator.

After trying various products in different locations I was offered a position in Harrods demonstrating Mattel toys in the lead up to Christmas.

It was an amazing experience to be part of the Harrods staff as in those days many celebrities did their shopping there, including the Royal family. There was even a zoo where exotic animals were kept, one of these being the famous lion which was eventually released in Kenya.

The food hall was an experience, offering food this Kiwi from the backblocks of Hawkes Bay had never heard of.

One day our department head told us the department was to be closed the next day between 10-11am because her Majesty the Queen was coming in to do her shopping for her family.

We were instructed on how to dress and how to behave.

Next morning the toy department was cleared of all customers and roped off.

The Queen arrived with her entourage of ladies in waiting and carefully walked around and viewed all the different products on display.

She stopped at my stand to admire the racing car set while I demonstrated how the cars whizzed around the track. She asked me where the products were made and when I said they were American she smiled graciously and said "perhaps not. I should buy British made toys" .

What still stands out for me was her charm and beautiful complexion.

Have you met a star?

Tell us about it and we'll publish the best in the Summer Herald. Write to newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz in no more than 300 words with "I met a star" in the subject field.