Former employees of the Hamilton Princess, some of whom worked at the hotel more than 50 years ago, will be gathering for a reunion next month.

As many as 120 will be flying in from countries as far away as New Zealand and Australia — others from North America and Europe to join the party.

The “Princess Family” last met seven years ago but this year they will celebrate their 50th anniversary in the week of September 22-29.

Reunion organiser is Peter Pfeiffer, who worked at the Princess from the late 1960s through to the 1980s and was president of the now-defunct Hotels football club which won the First Division championship.

Mr Pfeiffer, who now lives in Taunton, England, continues to write the ‘Princess Family’ monthly newsletter.

Fifty years on, three of the reunion group are still employed at the hotel.

Several of those visiting next month are now retired, aged between 60 and 80.

“They worked in every position up to general manager from the opening of The Princess Hotel under DK Ludwig in 1964, followed by the opening of The Southampton Princess Hotel,” said Mr Pfeiffer.

“Everyone is looking forward to being back in Bermuda. Many have met and married while working in Bermuda before going on with their careers in other parts of the world.

“Many others stayed and are still resident in Bermuda.

“Bodo G von Alvensleben, Eddy Gurret and Dennis Chin, who were part of the last reunion will be sadly missed this time as they passed away during the last few years.

“We are looking forward to a truly great sunshine reunion and meeting up with old friends.”

Managed by international hotel group Fairmont, the hotel was last year bought by the Bermudian Green family, who pledged to invest at least $50 million in the renovation.

For more information on the reunion, former workers can contact Mr Pfeiffer at pkpfeiffer@aol.com or www.peterpfeiffer.free.bm