A few years after his unfortunate faux pas at the community centre, it was
revealed that Prince Charles had, in the words of the tabloid press, ‘banned’ an
Elvis impersonator from guard duty within the inner sanctum of his London residence.
A stickler for formal dress, the Prince was reportedly furious upon
seeing a young PC’s Elvis Presley
hairstyle - complete with dyed sideburns - protruding from beneath his
helmet as he stood guard at Clarence House.
The policeman’s hairstyle had allegedly infuriated Charles to such
a point that he’d asked that Chris Macky be returned to standing guard outside
the royal home.
With the Prince residing in his London home with the then Mrs Parker Bowles, the unfortunate PC had no need to stand outside singing Are You Lonesome Tonight?!
Comment: Cornered by photographers, the 14-year-old Prince Charles ducked into the nearest doorway, which happened to be a pub. Not knowing what to do, he ordered a cherry brandy--had he ordered a pint, then his detractors could have used this as an example of his early alcoholism instead of what it was (a cornered kid does something stupid). Prince Charles is far more in touch with modern life than any other Prince of Wales before him. We live in an age when a crazed man can make his way into the Queen's bedroom. I suspect the Royal Family has much better understanding of security risks that one might think. No one could get as close to Prince William as the would-be kidnapper got to Princess Ann. Times change and so do the security risks and measures. Kids ALWAYS feel the establishment is against them. That's part of being a kid.
Name: exploora
Comment: And I came out of that punk rock thing, was very big when i was kid, especially for inner city youth, I knew some of the musicians, I would go to the events, really I didn't like the music as much as the 60's music, and I didnt like the hair styles, but I did like the black clothes, and the punk rock was the thing then. And I at times I thought the music was hideous too, I didnt even think it was music at times, I thougt it was especially hideous when a musician piddled on stage. Burning a draft card I used to feel was more focused and admirable .
I think Prince Charles is really out of touch, period.
I don't think it is just his age. That story where he ordered a cherry brandy when he was 14, that kills me. How many 14 year olds order cherry brandies, and feel they have the entitlement to order one?
I still think Charles understands his role as Prince better than William does. That doesn't mean I think Charles is more popular, I think William is acting too normal considering his position.
Harry and Wills I think don't consider the security problems their positions cause, they don't seem to consider the risks they put themselves and their guards under when they appear to be binge drinking. I am sure as they grow up, especially when they have kids, they will learn to understand. Princess Anne was almost kidnapped, she understands the risk, I think.
I would be surprised if there still is a monarchy when it is Wills turn to inherit.
I personally dont think Kate or Chelsy would put up with what they put with, if Wills and Harry weren't Princes.
I think kids often feel the establisment is against them.
Name: pipsqueak
Comment: This story is funny on so many levels.
Name: Anyacat
Comment: The thing about rock is that it was always anti-establishment and your parents were suppose to hate it (just as their parents disliked Benny Goodman), which is why I dislike rap--it simply doesn't speak to me. Not only were Disco shoes dangerous, but it was a fashion disaster era (all those poor polyesters giving up their lives so that Disco dancers could rock it to the Casbah in truly bad attire!) Punk, on the other hand, with all all those multi-colored Mohawks and the in-your-face music was exactly what rock was about. It could be said that those who disliked Punk were the boring oldsters of their day. Princess Anne in a mini-skirt--now that was daring for the time.
March is an exceptional book and so is the author.
Name: Joss
Comment: Anyacat wrote : Does anyone remember the young Charles and Anne dancing on stage after the London production of Hair
I do - but I thought is was only Anne.. Personally, I thought Punk Rock was the most atrocious time. Disco - I liked. ... and still do. The only downside was falling off your shoes ...
Name: valmae
Comment: POW has always enjoyed all kinds of music and, as footage shows you - a nifty one on the dance floor too.
He probably appreciated Gavin's own rendition of the Wonder of You and at that moment didn't connect it with Elvis.
Anyacat - thank you for explaining the problems of televising young Elvis. We forget how difficult it was for blacks to realise their full potential.
I've nearly finished reading "March" (the recemt follow on from "Little Women") and as a Brit recently visiting the East Coast, a have a greater understanding of the Civil War. IMO its ideals are following on, Martin Luther King and his great followers pointing the way.
Name: ruth
Comment: well that just goes to show you that prince charles has no taste and so boring. to begin with look at what he is married to .and look what he toss away like trash . any one that don't like elvis needs mental help.elvis was like princess diana there will never be another like them .
Name: M-M
Comment: Charles was always an old fogey , even in his twenties .
Name: Alberto
Comment: Elvis Presley deserved to be called 'The King'. This is meritocracy. IMO, PC is a person who's only claim to fame is an accident of birth.
Name: Anyacat
Comment: Because he was white but sounded black, Elvis got the kind of TV coverage denied other, far more talented, legends of early rock. Buddy Holly invented the whole idea of rock star but Elvis perfected it. While I have always maintained that Elvis was over rated, the idea of a minimally talented truck driver achieving that level of fame certainly touches a chord with the public. Does anyone remember the young Charles and Anne dancing on stage after the London production of Hair--no, of course not. I save my musical brick bats for those who liked Disco--perhaps the only truly atrocious time in the degeneration of rock music.
Name: Muriel
Comment: I remember the first time Elvis was on Ed Sullivan. It took Ed longer to explain why he would be shown from the waist up than it did to sing the song! Now we'd be thrilled if all some of them did was swivel their hips! For the most part I'm with Charles about Elvis, I like some of his music, but he sure as the world couldn't act. I do have a friend that goes to Memphis every year, in fact she's there now, and "visits" Elvis. She's convinced she can contact him. Who knows, maybe she can! Awful hot there right now though. It's 105F and dry as a bone here at my house.
Name: Monika
Comment: Considering this man's list of darlings (Nanny, QM and Camilla), I think nursery lullabies are more his cup of tea.
Name: Trudie
Comment: Charles was never young!!! in his twenties the only friend he had was Lord Mountbatten that should speak for it's self.
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... and still do. The only downside was falling off your shoes ...
