Brownies from Worcester Park met the Queen this week when they escorted the Commonwealth Flag in Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Observance day service.

Ten girls were given the opportunity, together with their leaders, to represent Girlguiding UK at this prestigious event and it will be a day they will remember for a long time.

‘It was a wonderful day’ said Christine Wicks, Girlguiding County Commissioner for Greater London West and also 8th Worcester Park Brown Owl, ‘we had a rehearsal in the morning and the girls were extremely excited.’ The flags of all of the 54 countries of the Commonwealth were paraded. While waiting to join the procession the girls were formed up at the main doors and had an excellent view of the dignitaries arriving. The Brownies were very excited to see the Countess of Wessex as she is also President of Girlguiding UK. She was very pleased to spot the Brownies and came to ask if they were taking part in the ceremony. Next to arrive was the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and finally her Majesty the Queen, head of the Commonwealth and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The National Anthem was sung before the procession began with the Brownies finally forming a line for the Queen to pass on the way to her seat. The event included items from various parts of the Commonwealth and concluded with an act of Affirmation to the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth flag was carried by William Rezel, Programme Officer to the Commonwealth Secretariat, who said it had been a real pleasure to work with the girls. He later advised that he also attended the evening reception where he was fortunate enough to speak with the Queen who said that she thought the Brownies were wonderful.

‘The best part was when the Queen walked by and all the Brownies had to curtsy to her and meeting Sophie Wessex the president of Girlguiding’ said Jessie aged 10, ‘I will remember the Queen and her son Prince Charles both smiling at the Brownies and remember the Queen's pretty pink outfit. I felt nervous because the Queen is royalty and very important to the 54 Countries that she rules. I wanted to look smart in my Brownie uniform and make sure my sash showed all my badges’.

Maren, aged 10 said ‘The best thing was going to see the Queen and other royals in real life and being filmed. I will remember the golden statues in Westminster Abbey and the Queen's pretty pink flower hat. I felt very excited but nervous at the same time because I was worried that I would not curtsy properly when the Queen passed by me.

Girlguiding UK gives girls a voice and provide a unique, girl-only space where they feel comfortable just being themselves. Members, challenged by a girl-led programme that extends beyond badges, enjoy a spectrum of activities from international travel and outdoor adventure to pop-concerts and community action.

For more information about Rainbows (5–7 years), Brownies (7–10 years), Guides (10–14 years) and Senior Section (14–25 years) or to become a Leader or helper, contact www.girlguiding.org.uk Based on information supplied by Steve Wicks.