A global pandemic has not stopped Queen Elizabeth II from keeping in touch with her people.
Once again, The Queen had a digital visit. This time with KPMG, an accounting firm celebrating its 150th anniversary. From Windsor Castle, she heard the stories of four employees from across the UK. She also got a touch of the holiday season as they serenaded Her Majesty with a pre-recorded performance of “We Wish You Merry Christmas.”
The Queen and Prince Philip are spending the holidays at Windsor Castle, instead of going to their usual destination, Sandringham. She commented on the positive aspect of technology: “It is difficult when people are used to being so close to each other, and everybody’s been divided up so much. Well thank goodness for technology, so one can still do this.”
John McCalla-Leacy, a KPMG partner, is the first black board member at the Uk’s firm. He is working to make sure the firm is more diverse and inclusive, a passion of his. As a young athlete, he benefited from The Prince’s Trust and became an international white-water canoe slalom competitor.
McCalla-Leacy provided The Queen with a ‘proud mum’ moment when he had this to say about The Prince’s Trust: “Ma’am, I’d like to ask that you please pass on my sincere gratitude to HRH The Prince of Wales for The Prince’s Trust,” John said. “Receiving the support that I did and when I did changed my life and I will never forget it, nor will I cease in my efforts to work with my fellow partners and others to use my position of influence to support and encourage others.”
With a smile, Her Majesty said: “I’ll indeed pass it on to my son, who is very proud of the idea of The Prince’s Trust, which I think has helped a lot of people.”
KPMG’s UK Chair, Bill Michael, shared with The Queen the history of KPMG’s support for British businesses over the last 150 years. Also on the call were KPMG’s youngest Office Senior Partner, Jennifer Lee, Cheryl Valentine, who joined the firm as part of Forces in the Firm military leaver’s programme, and David McIntosh, who began work at KPMG in 2017.
