Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Remarks on becoming a grandmother

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Outside No.10 Downing Street
Source: Thatcher Archive: transcript (THCR5/1/1E/107 part 1)
Editorial comments:

Around 1300? The opening of the transcript has been checked against a recording in the BBC Sound Archive. The text in the Thatcher Archive (probably prepared in the No.10 Press Office) silently altered the famous line to "I'm a grandmother of a grandson named Michael".

Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 579
Themes: Autobiography (marriage & children), Famous statements by MT

Q

…You're going to become a grandmother, is that right?

MT

We have become a grandmother of a grandson called Michael ThatcherMichael.

Q

Have you spoken to the happy couple this morning?

MT

Yes I've spoken to them and their baby's well and the Diane Thatchermother's well. It was two days ago.

Q

And they're home?

MT

The baby and the mother are now home. They're all well, they're very fit and the only sorrow is that we shan't be able to see the baby. But we hope to see some snapshots soon.

Q

When are you hoping that you will be able to see the baby?

MT

I don't know, that is the disappointing part but we've got a grandson, it's marvellous.

Q

Are there any arrangements yet for a christening?

MT

Oh my goodness me no. Look, I think they've done wonders to get the name ready, Michael. Don't you think so? Wonders to get the name ready.

Q

Choice of the name?

MT

Their choice. Just choice.

Q

What do you think of the name, Prime Minister? What was your reaction when you heard?

MT

Well, I'm absolutely thrilled. Who wouldn't be? It's something very deep within you. You know, to have a grandson is just a wonderful thing. Each baby, any mother will tell you, they're not just like one another, each baby when it's born has its own personality, its own character, and I'm just very anxious to hear a lot more.

Q

Do you know anything about this particular baby's character?

MT

Oh no, not yet. Two days—just all is well and its marvellous. It was over 7 lbs, so it's a good healthy baby. [end p1]

Q

Does he take after mum or dad?

MT

No idea, didn't ask, not worried.

Q

Did you ask the colour of its eyes?

MT

The baby's eyes are blue when they're first born—they develop their pigmentation afterwards.

Q

Have you had an opportunity in your busy day to do any knitting?

MT

No, nor shall I. I think the baby has quite a lot of things already.

Q

How does it feel for you to be a grandmother?

MT

Well, it's just marvellous and Denis ThatcherDenis is thrilled too. You know so many of ones friends are grandparents but there's just something very special about it.

Q

You've had to wait quite a long time, haven't you?

MT

Well, I don't know, Mark ThatcherMark is thirty-five. I was lucky, I had twins you know when I had mine, and Denis I think was coming up to forty when they were born. But anyway all is well and we have a grandson called Michael.

Q

Do you think they are coming over here?

MT

No, the first thing is that they must look after the health of the baby. It's difficult to move small babies round. They need stable surroundings, lots of love and affection which of course this one will get.

Thank you for coming.