Most couples receive a letter from a friend or family member on their wedding anniversary, a phone call or message to wish them well. Others may even buy you flowers or chocolate to congratulate you on your big day. But for a couple living at the Trans-50 Panorama Palms Retirement Village in Uys Krige Drive, Panorama, things were a bit different.
A letter from HRH
Edward (Eddie) Stevenson and his wife Anne received a letter containing a message congratulating them on celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary from His Royal Highness (HRH) King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla of the British royal family.
“My wife and I were so pleased to hear that you are celebrating your sixty-fifth wedding anniversary on 4th April, 2023. This brings you our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on this happy occasion,” the inside of the letter reads.
Liz Taylor, the Stevenson’s daughter, told TygerBurger that her parents were both born in the United Kingdom.
“My parents are both British born and married in Scotland in 1958.
Therefore, any British subject qualifies to receive this communication for 65th anniversaries and upwards, and when reaching 100 years of age,” she said.
Her parents have lived in Cape Town since 1982.
News shared
News of the couple’s anniversary and letter from the royals was also shared in the April issue of Palms Platform, a newsletter distributed at the retirement village.
Eddie and Anne appreciate this very special gesture. With a little sorrow in her heart Anne explained how much she misses the late Queen and that a postcard from her would have been exceptional, a part of the news article reads.
The couple was also asked what attracted them to one another.
“It was not love at first sight, but we grew together and into each other,” Eddie responded.
Eddie’s honesty and sobriety in all he says and does, is what attracted Anne.
The couple was also asked to define love.
“Eddie takes care of me every day. He prepares my meals. Before he goes to bed, he comes and we hug tightly.
“Eddie is my pillar and strength. He has a good heart, he really listens to find out what others need and then helps out,” Anne answered.
Eddie added: “And we laugh a lot. We make each other laugh. When you laugh every day, with and for each other, you create a strong bond.”
The Stevensons moved into the retirement village in 2014.
