An unfortunate Royal snub.

Princess Anne is involved with over 300 charities, organisations, and military regiments, with a focus on sports, science, disability, health, and international development. Her significant work includes her lifelong patronage of Save the Children, where she has supported efforts in child health, education, and disaster relief globally. She is also a patron of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), supporting riders and coaches for disabled individuals, and the Carers Trust, which helps people caring for family members. Back in the 1990's she attended a charity concert involving lots of semi professional artists. All unpaid and giving their time for free. You know the type of thing, good competent singers, comedians, magicians and novelty acts. Entertaining but not West End stars. The acts rehearsed all day, and some the day before as it was such an honour to perform before The Princess, with sound checks, decisions on costumes and songs etc.
I had the pleasure to be there on the night, but also throughout the 2 days of rehearsals. One of the acts was called The Roly Polys, a group of lovable entertaining middle aged plump dancers. Think of a troop of bubbly grandma's. They were the life and soul of the rehearsals and very very excited to be performing  to the Princess and meeting her. They spent ages, all in their own time going through their routines and making sure it was just right. They were a joy to watch and must have been huge Royal Family fans.
Come the night the acts performed to great applause and lots of money was raised. At the interval, The Princess mentioned to her lady in waiting  that she was a little tired and could the show be cut down so she could leave early.
Sadly an act had to be cut, and you've guessed who. They were back stage in full costume ready to go on when someone broke the news. Not only would they not perform but they would not meet her afterwards. I can still remember the sobbing and they were inconsolable. Everyone was upset at the decision, I suspect that Princess Anne had no idea of the ramifications, and would be devastated to know how upset the dancers were. I didn't follow their career, but I always hoped despite their age that they got to meet her one day.

Comments

  1. Kibcol24 September 2025 at 13:06

    True story. The dangers of being important, sometimes the little people get overlooked.

    ReplyDelete

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