Once upon a time, when Queen Maud of Norway was still Princess Maud of Wales, she was visiting her grandmother at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
A charity bazaar was organised close by, and young Maud took part and charge of one of the stands.
Before long, a young officer stopped by and bought a couple of the things that she had on offer. Then, he tried very hard to strike up a conversation.
‘I am certain that I know you,’ he said when all other attempts had failed. ‘Does your family live nearby?’
‘No, I am staying with my grandmother,’ the princess responded.
‘Ah, then I am sure to know her, as I know most people hereabouts,’ the officer continued reassuringly. ‘What is her name? I will visit her.’
First, a smile came over the princess’s face – then a crushing response: ‘Queen Victoria.’
The unfortunate and embarrassed young man turned around in a split second – and was gone like a shot.
Source: Gjengangeren 1909.08.26 page 1. Nasjonalbiblioteket nb.no | EGP.00011
