Redcar link      The death of Princess Marie Louise recalls a Redcar link with the Royal family.      Older people of the town will remember a young school teacher at Zetland School towards the end of last century, Miss Annie Picknett, daughter of the late Mr. William Allen Picknett, who was a builder and lifeboat secretary.      Miss Picknett subsequently went into service as lady's maid and when Princess Marie Louise advertised  for a lady's maid willing to travel extensively, she applied for and got the job, remaining in the service for over 40 years.      Miss Picknett who is now living in a home for retired Royal servants at Hove, has a number of relatives still living in Redcar.

The following is an extract from 'My Memories of Six Reigns' by Her Highness Princess Marie Louise (published 1956):

I must also mention those members of my little household who have served me so long and with the utmost devotion. Therefore I would like to record their names in this book of reminiscences: Dorothy, the parlourmaid, has been with me thirty-five years; my steward, Buckle, over twenty; Miles, my chauffeur, thirty years. Anne Picknett was with me forty-three years until ill-health and a severe operation compelled her to leave me.