Another Royal visitor to the studios was Prince Philip, who told the cast that the Queen and other members of the Royal Family sometimes watched the programme. Surveying the set, Prince Philip noticed Maggie Hanley, dressed as a tart. “Who is she supposed to be?” the Prince asked Noele Gordon.
Noele didn’t know quite what to say, and hedged around the question for a while. But the Prince was persistent. “But why is she dressed up like that?” he asked.
“She’s supposed to be playing a lady of easy virtue, but I didn’t like to say so.” said Noele at last.
Prince Philip laughed loud and long. “Whyever not?” he asked. “I do know what they are, you know!”