The Queen's messengers - royal and governmental couriers

Contemporary Review, March, 1997 by Raymond Lamont-Brown

In 1941 George P. Antrobus OBE, who was a King's Foreign Service Messenger during 1918-40 wrote: 'It seems rather doubtful, moreover, whether in modem conditions of widespread air-travel the need for the King's Messenger will long continue to exist. It is possible therefore that the day of dissolution of this fine old Corps is not far distant, and that some of its present members may be amongst the last of their race. If this is so, it is to be hoped that some specimens of the tools of their trade - waybills, bags, seals, accounts and the like - will be preserved as curiosities to a future generation.'

Antrobus's prognostication is now over fifty years in the coming as a reality. And it is certain that his last wish is likely to be carried out.