One of the first and certainly most worthy of remembrance happened during the months of March through to April in 1947, when King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, visited the Union of South Africa. It was said that during the Royal Visit, the simple dignity of the Royal party won over the hearts of all as they made their way from the shores of Port Elizabeth across the country and attended a magnificently elaborate ball in Springs. As the Royals journeyed in the direction of Springs to attend the ball, one of the many towns they passed through was none other than our very own Ermelo. As if having the queen travel the roads of our beloved town isn't enough to cause an elated sense of pride and honour, a young man who resided most of his life in this town and the Station Commander at Hartbeeskop Police Station 7 miles from the Oshoek border post near Swaziland, namely Chris Moolman, caught the attention of and was addressed by the queen herself. As he was a mounted policeman of repute, he was nominated by his Commander as one of the escorts for the Royal Visit motorcade in Ermelo. Chris Moolmans's uncle, Mr Hendrik Mentz, led the procession into town for the parade, pomp and splendour on his horse named 'Try-Me'. On the day of the parade, Chris Moolman rode right next to the car of his Majesty King George and Princess Elizabeth, and it was then that the queen noticed the regal form and the lives of Mr and Mrs Moolman changed as they would, from then on, have wondrous stories to tell. "During their time in Springs, attending the royal ball, my parents were presented with a medallion, which I am proud to say is still in my possession", renowned author Nico Moolman, a man with deep-set roots in Ermelo, told iNews. "The circular shaped silver bears, the conjoint busts of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. On the reverse side is the cypher of King George and Queen Elizabeth surmounted by a crown and along the round edge of the medallion, bears the words, ROYAL VISIT 1947, and is not only a treasure of historical artefact value but bears enormous sentimental value to us Moolmans." Nico went on to share a few of the exciting, once-in-a-lifetime moments his parents had the privilege of experiencing in the presence of royalty and, upon their return home, divulged with their friends and family. Nico fondly tells of the passed down memories of this momentous occasion, saying, and I quote: "I've been told of how my mom spoke, with a twinkle in her eye, of when my dad smiled at Princess Elizebeth upon the introduction ceremony. The man in uniform caused Her Majesty to blushingly respond with a shy smile as the hint of red on her glowing cheeks grew brighter", said Nico, "and at Standerton, my mother took a nice photo of Field Marshall Jan Smuts and Princess Elizabeth when she was introduced to the Anglo-Boer War 'Oud-Stryders". The Royal Tour to South Africa was not only an incredibly memorable happening for the country but also an inspirationally, exhilarating experience for those privileged enough to have had the honour of witnessing the royal family in all their splendour first-hand. The Royal Tour also bore much significance to the queen as this had been Her Majesty's first official overseas visit. Since then, overseas visits have become one of her most essential duties, such as the historical event where Her Majesty undertook a six-day state visit to South Africa, the first since 1947, following the end of apartheid. And so goes the true story of how ordinary people, from our very own Ermelo, had the opportunity to live the fairytale and enjoy the audience they had in the presence of royalty.

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