9March1998

Monday, 9 March 98
My dear folks,

I have discarded my recent issue of Private Eye but, if I recall accurately, one of its headlines read: “Fat rich woman not very ill.” It was the Eye’s verdict on Princess Margaret’s recent setback & I strongly suspect that it was close to being the nation’s. HRH’s fondness for gin, tobacco & being entertained – preferably in Mustique -, together with her record as a bone-lazy royal, has not exactly endeared her to the people. Certainly there was more interest in the newsroom in the football results than the lady’s health problems. That may not be representative but it’s certainly indicative. You don’t sell newspapers by putting Margaret’s face on the front page. Interesting, too, to see the changes being mooted by Buckingham Palace as the monarchy tries to hold on to the nation’s affections by catching up with the times (including 1st-born child of which ever sex to inherit the crown & severe trimming of the fringe royals).