Friday, 29 Mar 2024

The Queen heartbroken as loyal housekeeper of 40 years who became friend dies suddenly

Her Majesty is reportedly “deeply upset” after finding out the news Annette Wilkin, who had worked for the royal family for 40 years, has passed away. Miss Wilkin, a dedicated servant for The Queen, 93, died at the age of 72, following a short battle with illness. Miss Wilkin worked for the Monarchy in various roles since 1974, starting out as a maid before working her way up to head housekeeper at Windsor Castle.

One royal insider has praised the royal aide for being “devoted to her job” and was “absolutely adored” by the royal household.

A royal source told the Daily Mail: “We all called Annette the Queen because she had a regal air about her and a lovely cut-glass accent.

“She was always immaculately dressed, fully in control of her job and kind to her staff.

“The Queen and all the royals absolutely adored her and she was almost part of the family. She never married but was devoted to her job and gave her life to the royal family.”

Miss Wilkin who was described as a “perfectionist” was in charge of three teams of maids at the Queen’s weekend residence and responsible for a variety of tasks including all cleaning and bed linen.

Another royal source said: “Annette would be in charge of getting rooms ready for visiting heads of state staying at the castle, unpacking their cases and carefully putting personal items like teddy bears in their place on the bed.

“No detail was too much trouble for her, she was a perfectionist.”

According to a royal insider, Miss Wilkin played in starring role following the devastating Windsor Castle fire in 1992.

During one of the darkest moments during the Queen’s 67-year reign, Miss Wilkin was instrumental and inspired others to get the Castle back to its best.

The source said: “She was always upbeat and determined to get things back to normal.

“She inspired others and motivated them to work that extra bit harder to restore everything and the Queen always appreciated her hard work.”

Miss Wilkin decide to retire from duty in 2014 but such was her importance, the Queen employed her as an assistant dresser and even housed her in a cottage in Windsor.

It is understood the Queen is likely to attend her funeral in the coming weeks.

A royal close to Buckingham Palace said: “Annette gave more than 45 years service to the Royal Household and was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order for her dedicated work. She will be greatly missed.”

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