EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: Prince George creates a footnote in Coronation history by persuading King Charles to change the centuries-old uniforms worn by pages of honour
Nine-year-old Prince George has created a footnote in Coronation history by persuading his grandfather King Charles to change the centuries old uniforms worn by pages of honour.
George, one of four pages assisting the monarch, voiced his concerns about having to wear white knee breeches.
‘He also wasn’t keen on wearing tights and becoming a subject of ribaldry at school,’ whispers a courtier.
The King agreed and the breeches and tights were replaced with trousers. Charles was in no position to object.
He had already decided to replace his own breeches with naval trousers. But he distressed his tailor by keeping the buckled court shoes that should only be worn with tights. They crumpled his trews.
Nine-year-old Prince George has created a footnote in Coronation history by persuading his grandfather King Charles to change the centuries old uniforms worn by pages of honour
George (second right), one of four pages assisting the monarch, voiced his concerns about having to wear white knee breeches
As the King passed the royal enclosure after his crowning there was a sea of bows and curtsies from the family.
Harry, in row three, instead looked down at the order of service allowing him to avoid formal acknowledgement of the King. Was it too much in the end for Harry to bow to his father?
On the eve of Eurovision Katrina Leskanich, pictured, recalls her 1997 victory in Dublin with her band The Waves, telling Radio Times: ‘Utter chaos. I glanced up and Terry Wogan had a Guinness in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other, and was balancing an Irish whiskey on his head.’ Graham Norton has a lot to live up to!
On the eve of Eurovision Katrina Leskanich (pictured), recalls her 1997 victory in Dublin with her band The Waves
Spare a smidgen of compassion for BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards. In the weeks before the Coronation he feverishly dieted and shadow boxed to shed weight.
‘I am going to have to lose a stone,’ he admitted. ‘I am just a bit too tight around the waist.’
Alas Kirsty Young presented all the on-screen coverage while newly svelte Huw was confined to audio.
At the pre-Coronation Concert reception at Windsor Castle one politician was noticeable for failing to mingle with fellow guests, confining himself to the fringes in the Waterloo Chamber while the likes of Rishi Sunak and Theresa May worked the room.
Who was this reclusive figure? Step forward self-proclaimed Prime Minister in Waiting Sir Keir Starmer.
Paying video tribute to His Majesty at the Coronation Concert, TV adventurer and former SAS man Bear Grylls enthused: ‘The King even took on the Royal Marines commando training. One of the hardest programmes in the world, trust me!’ Painful listening for Prince Edward? He quit the Marines in 1987 after four months.
Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt, praised for her show-stealing Coronation appearance, isn’t shy about her ample cleavage. During the late Queen’s reign, she once announced: ‘I could probably hold Her Majesty’s Stationery Office under my bosoms.’
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