The Royal Archives Proved Lean

Sir Philip might have achieved a full, exciting life of King Edward VII if the royal scavengers had not destroyed all the most tempting piles of letters. After the Mordaunt divorce and the Tranby Croft baccarat case, secretaries spent years hunting what might hurt the throne. Even the Royal Archives have proved lean. Magnus found no letters to Edward from Queens Victoria and Alexandra of any value and none surviving from Mrs. Langtry or Mrs. Keppel (his Profane and Platonic Loves).

It was the same Charlie Beresford who once sent the most useful social telegram of those times to excuse a boring weekend with the Prince— “Sorry cannot come. Lie follows by post.” It was much copied in smart society.

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Sir Shane Leslie

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Sir Philip might have achieved a full, exciting life of King Edward VII if the royal scavengers had not destroyed all the most tempting piles of letters. After the Mordaunt divorce and the Tranby Croft baccarat case, secretaries spent years hunting what might hurt the throne. Even the Royal Archives have proved lean. Magnus found no letters to Edward from Queens Victoria and Alexandra of any value and none surviving from Mrs. Langtry or Mrs. Keppel (his Profane and Platonic Loves).

It was the same Charlie Beresford who once sent the most useful social telegram of those times to excuse a boring weekend with the Prince— “Sorry cannot come. Lie follows by post.” It was much copied in smart society.