PRINCE PHILIP

has sent a personal message of congratulations to one of his favourite actresses, West End musical star Sheila Mathews, who is 90 today.

Sheila — whose late husband, London Palladium producer Charles Reading, directed Philip in his only screen appearance, in a film about the charity Unicef — has just had life membership bestowed on her by the actors’ trade union, Equity. It’s in recognition of her career being the longest of any performer still working in the industry. She made her debut aged three at Alexandra Palace in June 1930, and returned to the stage this year to star in We’re Still Here. That’s what you call a real trouper.