South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 09 February 1952
King’s Farewell Gift
Personally Handed to Conisbro’ Man on Friday
Five days before the King died he called a Conisbrough man into his room at Buckingham Palace and gave him a pair of gold cufflinks as a farewell gift on the man’s departure from the Royal household after two years as assistant personal valet to His Majesty.
Conisbrough Native
The man is Mr. Colin Smith, born and bred in Conisbrough and now spending a holiday with brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Reg Smith, at their home, 16, Church Street, Conisbrough.
Mr. Smith, who, under a Head Valet and Assistant Valet, has had part responsibility for the King’s wardrobe and personal effects, was in constant personal contact with the King and travelled with him to his various residences. He has been heard to describe His Majesty, in a homely but sincere phrase, as one of the finest bosses I have ever worked under.
Apart from occasional greetings in passing, Mr. Smith had little personal contact with other members of the Royal family, but at the Christmas staff ball he danced with Princess Margaret.
During their final interview the King is understood to have thanked Mr. Smith for all he had done for him, to have wished him and his wife the best of luck for the future, and expressed the hope that he would be as happy in any new employment as he had been with him.
News of the King’s death came to Mr. Smith over the wireless. He has since said, we understand, that he felt “as though one of his own people had died.” It was a very great shock to him. Had Mr. Smith not left the King’s service, he would have been at Sandringham with him this week.