“We Are Amused: A Royal Miscellany”
By Brian Hoey; JR Books Ltd, 245 pages
Can it really be three months since the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton? Seems like only yesterday when the big to-do took place.
Now they’re like any other married couple: taking out the garbage, mowing the lawn, coping with each other’s peccadilloes (uniforms on the floor, long hair clogging the drain). OK, I’m speculating about the everyday details of a married royal couple. But, wait. I don’t have to speculate any more because author Brian Hoey has unlocked the palace gates, revealing fascinating facts about our sovereign neighbors across the pond.
Ever wondered how tall the queen is? She’s 5 feet, 4 inches. If one gets invited to “dine and sleep” at Windsor Castle, is it in good form to tip the domestic staff? Heavens, no. What does the queen dislike? Men who wear pre-tied bow ties, and anyone who tries to pet her dogs. A favorite pastime of HRM? Crossword puzzles, but don’t dare suggest using a thesaurus — that’s cheating! If these riveting tidbits have piqued your interest, check out this miscellany for more royal enlightenment. Just wait till you read the section on swan upping!
Jan Johnston is the Collection Development Coordinator for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org. She blogs at youbetterreadnow.blogspot.com.
