Imagine this: a woman with roughly $98 million in the bank, yet she’s all about saving a buck. That’s the Queen Mother Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon for you. Known for her practicality, the Queen Mother’s legacy of frugality continues to surprise us. Take, for instance, the fridge at her former Scottish residence, Castle of Mey. Not only is it still running, but it’s now officially Scotland’s oldest working fridge! This Frigidaire, made by General Motors and purchased way back in 1954, recently passed its annual electrical test. At the grand old age of 64, it's still going strong, proving that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.
Why All the Fuss About an Old Fridge?
This isn’t just any fridge; it’s a piece of history. The fridge, standing tall at 5-feet 8-inches, will be showcased during the Castle of Mey’s tours, which are set to run when the castle fully opens between May and October this year. What’s even more impressive is that this fridge has only had one issue in its long life. Back in the year 2000, when underfloor heating was installed in the castle, the temperature gauge acted up. Other than that, it’s been a reliable companion for over six decades. That’s some serious staying power, don’t you think?
Castle of Mey.
Read also:Marie Osmond Shares Heartfelt Message After Losing Nephew Troy Osmond
More Than Just a Fridge
According to Shirley Farquhar, the managing director of the castle, this fridge isn’t just a kitchen appliance; it’s a testament to quality and longevity. “It was given its annual electrical check-up and has passed again,” she said. “It is an essential part of the kitchen and working perfectly. It was certainly built to last.” But the fridge wasn’t the only thing the Queen Mother, who passed away at the age of 101 in 2002, was reluctant to replace. Her equerry at the castle, Ashe Windham, revealed that she also chose to keep her much-loved old Burberry raincoats rather than replace them. She didn’t want to upgrade the interiors of the castle, and even insisted on renting an ancient TV model for her annual visits instead of buying one.
Lessons in Frugality
In a world where everything seems disposable, the Queen Mother’s approach offers a refreshing perspective. Her philosophy was simple: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—or replace it. In an era where we’re constantly encouraged to upgrade, her story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that last. Maybe we could all take a page from her book and appreciate the value of durability over disposability.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Prince William, and all things royal!
This post originally appeared on our sister site, Grazia Daily.
