The Princess Royal

claymore

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and Claymore were mutually delighted to renew their friendship on Monday when marking the centenary year of Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht club.

The talk focussed on cookers again, the Hebridean Princess, Ardfern and more - Claymore was apparently besotted, ga-ga and a disgrace to his postcode according to Dear Heart in whom I sensed just the teensiest modicum of jealousy.
 
I got detained by her security personnel briefly whilst working at the NEC Boat and Caravan show around 1990 and my bag of egg sandwiches was searched for concealed weapons. I didn't fancy them (the sandwiches) after that and developed republican tendancies.
 
My wife was deeply engrossed in examining a full-on racing Hobie 17, on a stand at the 2000 Earl's Court Boat Show, oblivious of the world around her.

"Is there a choice of colours?", came a question from behind her, in a plummy lady's voice.

"Dunno", said wife without turning round. "I'm just wandering around. Why don't you ask a salesman?"

"Oh! I'm sorry, I thought you were one.... and I'm just wandering around, too," said the plummy voice, now sounding just vaguely familiar.

At this, wife turned round face-to-face with the Princess Royal, with her RYA worthies, BMF Organisers and security entourage standing a respectful 10 metres away.

With a grin, the PR commented that she was on the lookout for a new boat, too. "I hope you find what you're looking for," she grinned, before striding away.

Perhaps British sailing's best ambassador.......

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I spent 3 hours in her company, accompanying her as a smudger. I thought she was a very genuine and level person. We laughed about her official signature made with an ink-marker pen and she was enthusiastic about a nag that was presented to the local Riding-for-the-Disabled branch. She told me she was nipping off for her real lunch and to freshen up before meeting the local toffs at an informal buffet lunch. She circulated at the lunch chatting to the pre-arranged groups and I noticed she never ate a morsel from the plate she was carrying, having already attacked her snap in private.
Like all real royals, she has a wonderful perspective on her role.
 
I am pleased for you. I got a "s*d off, you're not invited" letter from the YC committee, not that I was that bothered, unlike some members.

Regards

Mike
 
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