Fifteen seconds of fame
Did you receive your invitation to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? Well, neither did I and I’m disappointed. I knew they chose a small chapel for the ceremony because they had a very short guest list, royally speaking. I also heard it would be a more youthful gathering and would not even include some older friends of the royal family. That has to explain it because, after all, I do have a “history” with Harry’s father …While teaching in Houston, I learned that England’s Prince Charles would be in town Oct. 25, 1977, to make a public appearance at the grand opening of Saks Fifth Avenue on Post Oak.
Teaching an English Great Works class, I thought what a splendid opportunity it would be for my students to see a real English prince in the flesh. I hurriedly made arrangements with my principal to take my class of 18 to the opening on that date. I never got the connection for the store opening event … perhaps he didn’t pack enough socks and underwear?
The morning arrived with horrendous thunderstorms. Apparently the trip would be canceled, so I didn’t dress for the occasion as planned. I wore my usual school uniform of blazer, pleated skirt and loafers.
Students were disappointed, too, until shortly before noon when the storm abated. The school office informed us our bus would be ready as originally planned. Before we left, I gave my “Hitler” speech (as my students called such warnings) from the front of the bus. This was a very special occasion when we were given the opportunity to see royalty up close and if anyone even thought of misbehaving or causing any type of commotion he or she would not see life outside detention hall until they were eligible for Medicare!
By 1:30 we were at Saks grounds and positioned behind a fairly large crowd held back by a velvet rope. We waited. The sky began to darken again. A small drizzle appeared and umbrellas came out while some of the crowd began to leave. By 2:15 the drizzle became a steady light rain and more of the crowd headed for their cars. When my kids begged (after all, they were missing chemistry and P.E.) I agreed we could stay. By 2:30 a steadier rain caused the crowd to dwindle more, allowing my class to move right up next to the magical velvet rope beside the walkway.
The mayor came and cut a ribbon and the large beveled doors opened. Well-heeled customers emerged from valeted cars and began walking toward the store … entry was by invitation only. More time went by and the rain grew heavier. We were drenched from our waists down but determined steadfast in holding our prime spot for viewing. Television crews began moving to the walk at the sight of a long black limousine pulling to the curb. Cameras were mounted on photographers’ shoulders and microphones were placed in the hands of pretty blondes protected by umbrellas.
All eyes were focused on those gold-bordered glass doors though nothing happened until just before 3:30. Both doors opened and men in black suits walked out. None were talking into their wrists, but they were obviously heavy security. And then we saw him! He was wearing a navy suit, white shirt and burgundy striped tie.
Until then, I’d never thought Prince Charles to be a handsome man. But after seeing him in the flesh, my early opinions dissolved. He was handsome. He was tall, very proper and prince-like.
There were other steadfast groups behind the scarlet ropes ahead of us, nearer the doors. He nodded to them in acknowledgment as one of his security held the large black umbrella over his head and shoulders.
When he neared our little class/group further down, he hesitated. He even put out his arm to stop his entourage.
Walking over to us, he asked, “Now, who is this?” One of my girls told him we were an English Literature Class from a local high school.
“Why are you here?” he asked, “To go shopping?” “No sir, we have come to see you.” She was even afraid to meet his eyes.
His hand grabbed his heart as he answered, “Well, I am honored you came!” Then, “Where is your school mistress or master??”
“She’s right here,” the student pointed to me. He stepped back until he stood in front of me and held out his hand. Trembling, I held mine out to him. He took it in both of his.
“You do not resemble a school mistress,” he commented. I wished I’d worn a dress and heels.
“So what do you teach this group of scholars?” I told him we were presently studying “The Prisoner of Chillon” and he quoted a few lines!