Queen Elizabeth II responds to Toowoomba resident’s letter of condolence

After the Duke of Edinburgh’s death in April this year, St Vincent’s Care Services Toowoomba resident wrote a condolence letter to Queen Elizabeth II. Then he got a letter back.

St Vincent's Care Services Toowoomba resident Rodney Koehler sent a condolence letter to Queen Elizabeth II after Prince Philip's death, and was chuffed to receive a letter in return.

After the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in April this year, Rodney Koehler was heartbroken.

The St Vincent’s Care Services Toowoomba resident had been a long-time follower of the royal family, and the death of the family’s patriarch left him in mourning.

Mr Koehler said he wanted to pass on his condolences to the Duke’s wife, Queen Elizabeth II, so he reached for the pen and paper.

With the help of facility staff, Mr Koehler wrote from the heart.

“It is with much sadness I pass on condolences to her Majesty on the passing of your husband,” he said.

“From all at the Aged Care Home, may the Prince rest in peace, in God’s care. Ninety-nine years, what a wonderful man. Twenty-one visits down under.

“Our prayers are with you Your Majesty, and your husband Prince Philip, and your entire family.”

Staff helped Mr Koehler with the letter, addressed it to Buckingham Palace, and sent it on its way.

A letter from Buckingham Palace received by St Vincent's care Services Toowoomba resident Rodney Koehler in response to a condolence letter sent after Prince Philip's death.

St Vincent’s Care Services facility manager Elzette Lategan said about a week later, an envelope stamped with the Royal Mail emblem and addressed to Mr Koehler had arrived in the mail.

“It was exciting to get a letter back, when Rodney opened the envelope and saw it was a response from the Queen we all get very excited,” Ms Lategan said.

Mr Koehler too said it was a thrill to have that letter arrive from London.

“It really meant a lot,” he said.