Day I tackled Prince Philip in a rugby tie

SOME years ago, the Queen and Prince Philip visited GCHQ in Cheltenham. This was at the old site, years before the move across town to the famous ‘Doughnut’ building. There was great interest in the visit, though obviously not everyone would be able see them. Lots were drawn to choose the lucky ones who would line the entrance to the (then) main building when they arrived. I was fortunate enough to be one of the chosen few who were formed up in two lines either side of the route the royal couple would take. The Queen went down one side and the Duke took the other — my side. We were briefed on how to address the Queen should she speak to us. It should be ‘mamm’, not ‘maarm’. I had been told by someone that the Duke was interested in regimental or club ties, so I made sure to don the best I had. Sure enough, the Duke spotted it and asked me what it represented. I explained it was my Cheltenham Civil Service Rugby Club tie. He seemed interested and, emboldened by his approachability, on impulse I said we were short of a back row forward for Saturday. He smiled and muttered ‘Too busy, I’m afraid,’ and walked on. I wished afterwards that I’d had the presence of mind to whip off the tie and present it to him. We might then have been able to claim royal patronage for our club!

Mike Wallace, Charlton Kings, Glos.