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Pastor John Arthur receives and OBE from queen Elizabeth

Ruth Arthur tells about her husband's encounters with Queen Elizabeth

Encounters with The Queen: A personal memory

"What a privilege to shake the hand of a British monarch who has, in the words of Robert Hardman, “Travelled further than all her predecessors put together…lived longer than any of them…known more historical figures than any living person and played a major role in transforming Britain from an imperial power to a multicultural nation.”

Crieff, ScotlandRuth Arthur

Ruth Arthur did not meet The Queen personally, but her late husband, John Arthur, who worked for ADRA in the Trans European Division for 15 years, had the privilege to meet the Monarch on three occasions. She says, “John always admired Her Majesty’s example of Christian faith and of her humility and respect toward all people.”

The crowning event was in 2006 when ADRA was recognised for its international services to humanitarian aid. Ruth says, “As a family we were invited to Buckingham Palace to witness John become an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He humbly accepted the OBE medal and cherished the brief time talking with the Queen.”

John Arthur wrote about this experience in a personal memoir, Man on a Mission. Ruth shared an extract from the book, which is reproduced below:

Those receiving awards lined up in an adjacent room and awaited introduction. As with all royal events, organisation was impeccable. Timekeeping was as precise as a Rolex watch! I stood nervously at the ballroom entrance, hoping I would not make any mistake!

“John Arthur…for services to Overseas Aid,” boomed the voice of the Lord Chamberlain.

My moment had arrived! I made my way to the dais, followed prescribed proecedures and stood in awe. The world’s most familiar face was just a few inches in front of me!

Her Majesty attached the medal to my lapel. “What have you been doing in connection with international charity work?” she enquired.

My answer was brief because each conversation had to be no longer than thirty seconds. I squeezed in a good wish by way of a few words from the Bible.

“Your Majesty, may you not grow weary in well-doing!” I said.

The Queen smiled, shook my hand and expressed appreciation. My thrill was over! I stood back, bowed, turned right and made my way along the red carpet to the exit.

What a privilege to shake the hand of a British monarch who has, in the words of Robert Hardman, “Travelled further than all her predecessors put together…lived longer than any of them…known more historical figures than any living person and played a major role in transforming Britain from an imperial power to a multicultural nation.”

For the finale, we joined an excited procession making its way to the Palace courtyard for photographs. Everybody wanted to capture memories of a very special visit to London SW1.”

Thank you to Ruth Arthur for sharing these beautiful memories and photos of a personal encounter with the Queen. We can’t wait for the grand re-union when John and Ruth will be re-united and no doubt have plenty more opportunities to meet this remarkable ruler.