Mary Ratcliffe with hier poster Picture: MATTHEW SWINGLER Ref: 76784-12QUEEN Victoria impersonator Mary Ratcliffe will definitely not be amused when she tunes in to the royal wedding on Saturday.
The outspoken pensioner reckons the monarchy is doomed if Prince Charles weds Camilla.
She even made a placard written in calligraphy and in faultless rhyming couplets denouncing the union.
Due to prior engagements she is unable to travel to Windsor to heckle celebrations, which she describes as "an historic watershed that challenges the future of the monarchy." Instead, she's instructed her friend, Laurien Lewis, to hang it on the gates of Kensington Palace the late Princess Diana's home.
Mrs Ratcliffe, of Croft Road, Old Town appropriately dressed in black for our picture has been a staunch Royalist since birth.
But she says she'll switch to being a Republican if she outlives the Queen.
"I couldn't watch the celebrations on television knowing that I have not aired my feelings," she said.
"I think the whole history of the monarchy has been damaged by the cruel treatment of Diana.
"The two people in this union are directly responsible for the dreadful unhappiness that Diana suffered throughout her whole marriage."
Mrs Lewis, who lives in Aldbourne, said: "There were three people in that marriage. This forthcoming marriage is not right. In fact, it's a complete farce. I told Mary that I was happy to take the poem to Kensington it's very tasteful."
Mrs Ratcliffe has also posted a copy of the message to Earl Spencer Diana's brother.
And she's one of only a few people in the country to have formerly objected to the wedding.
Not long after the announcement was made, Mrs Ratcliffe sent a caveat or formal objection letter to the Registrar General.
She was delighted to receive a reply from David Hillman, the head of marriages and adoptions at the General Register Office in Southport.
Sadly for her, Mr Hillman ruled that: "The Registrar General is satisfied the caveat ought not to obstruct the issue of a certificate."
The letter also states the reasons the caveat was rejected, including the fact that Camilla Parker-Bowles's previous marriage was dissolved by a divorce decree absolute and that she was free to re-marry.
'They make the perfect couple'
A DEDICATED royalist says she will definitely be tuning in for the Charles and Camilla wedding on Saturday.
Maureen Johnston, of Corby Avenue, Old Town, is amazed so many people in the town are shunning the occasion.
And the 67-year-old said Camilla Parker Bowles is the perfect match for the Prince of Wales.
Mrs Johnston read in the Advertiser last week that people in Swindon were turning their backs on the wedding.
She said: "People have been brainwashed into not liking Camilla.
"People should think for themselves, they shouldn't go along with ideas."
The royal family fan, who has been married for nearly 30 years to husband Michael, 61, thinks Prince Charles needs a wife.
She said: "He needs someone to be with him on royal engagements. It's very important he does have a wife."
Camilla is the ideal suitor for the Charles, according to Mrs Johnston, because the couple share common interests.
She said: "I think Camilla is a very suitable person. She knows everything about Charles. They both like horse racing.
"Camilla is a quiet person, she's not brash.
"I am very pleased Prince Charles is marrying Camilla. She'll bring great strength to the royal family."
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