A silver cigarette case belonging to the father of the Queen Mother has found its way back home to Glamis Castle.
Retired soldier Ray Bennett (67) bought the heirloom at an auction in 1984 and soon discovered it was a silver wedding gift belonging to Claude George Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore.
Following a request from the late Queen Mother, he travelled from his home in Germany to hand the silverware over to her great-nephew Michael Bowes-Lyon.
Explaining his generosity, Mr Bennett said, “Some things in life can’t be bought like a happy family and good health but there are certain things that should never be sold because they belong to a family.”
According to the inscription on the cigarette box, it was given to the 14th earl by a military friend to mark his 25th wedding anniversary in 1906. Almost 80 years later, Mr Bennett purchased it for £150 at a Sotheby’s sale in Pulborough in the south of England.
Its existence was drawn to the attention of the Queen Mother, born Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, at a regimental dinner in Berlin she attended in 1992 in her role as colonel-in-chief of the Irish Guards.
Although Mr Bennett and his wife Roswitha were unable to attend, he asked that the cigarette case be displayed on the table for the Queen Mother to see. When she was informed of the box’s origin, she asked if Mr Bennett ever wished to dispose of it that he contact the royal family first.
Upon retiring from the military following 46 years of service, Mr Bennett followed these instructions to the letter by writing to St James Palace, which subsequently informed the current Earl of Strathmore. He was “thrilled” by the tale, and invited the couple to Glamis Castle.
Mr Bennett, originally from Turnbridge Wells in Kent, was suitably impressed when he and his wife arrived in Angus on Wednesday.
He said, “Anyone who said a man’s home is his castle evidently hadn’t been to Glamis it is absolutely stunning. The dining room is so beautiful. I’m so glad I’ve had this chance to return some of the family silver.”
Mr and Mrs Bennett’s visit comes in the midst of a special exhibit at Glamis Castle featuring several other precious pieces of Bowes-Lyon family history.
The Historic Wedding Exhibition, scheduled to coincide with the recent marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton, saw the Queen Mother’s wedding dress go on display in the castle.