Royal Stories from Ray

Ray, 81, has been working around the Pavilion area for over 20 years and in this time has witnessed many changes; along with meeting pretty much all of the Royal Family. Having been a 'gate man' for years, Ray was able to recall numerous experiences...
For example when Lord Snowdon, married to Princess Margret at the time, turned up in his Volvo estate ready for a photography exhibition at the Dome. Due to not being previously warned, and the Prince not having not been escorted, Ray, surprised to suddenly be faced with the Lord, and had to soon apologise for refusing his entry through the gates when believing it a joke!
Another scenario revolving around the lack of police escort, was when Prince Edward was joined by John Cleese and other actors for the premiere of 'A Fish Called Wanda' at the old cinema in East Street. With a reception being held at The Pavilion the cars were to be parked in the grounds - warned of this and left alone, told to only open the gates when the police escort arrived, you can image the surprise that Ray had when a horn beeped, and the drivers side window slowly rolled down to reveal Prince Edward, having driven himself, sitting patiently, awaiting the opening of the gates!
Another encounter with the Royal Family was with the recent visit to The Royal Pavilion from the Queen when granting Brighton and Hove city status. Having been left on the door of the drawing room, Ray, having caught the sight of a stunning diamond broach ventured across the room to get a closer look. As he lent in to examine the gorgeous flower shaped broach Ray was taken aback by the large police woman behind him saying 'You can look but you can't touch'. He soon realised that the coat, proudly fashioning the broach, was in fact owned by the Queen herself!