Princess Louise and the Old Lady: Another Royal Anecdote

Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll. Image from Wikimedia Commons

Bermuda was a quiet, bucolic backwater in the late 19th century, but it proved to be a strategic location for British interests in Northern Atlantic that a naval base was established in the island. By the late 19th century, the island emerged as a tourist destinations thanks to its pink sand beaches and inviting climate. A visit by Princess Louise in 1883 proved too helpful in boosting the island’s tourism. The Princess was then primarily based in Canada with her husband, the Marquess of Lorne, later the ninth Duke of Argyll,  who served as the governor-general from 1878 until 1883.  After the visit to this island, which she called a place  of eternal spring, tourism boomed in Bermuda that a massive hotel named in her honor was built and opened in 1885 to cater these visitors.

One day when she was in Bermuda, Princess Louise went on a sketching expedition along the shore, all alone. After some time walking under the sweltering heat, she became thirsty and stopped by at a cottage of a local fisherman to ask for a drink. There she found a woman, we call her Auntie, who was busy ironing a shirt for her "ole man" to wear at a reception. The Princess asked for a drink.

"I've no time to bother getting water for you," Auntie replied.

"I'm fearfully busy, for I’m bound to see the Queen's child tomorrow."

"But if you'll get me some drink I'll iron while you do so," said the thirsty princess.

The offer was accepted, the princess finished the shirt and got her drink and then  revealed her identity.

"Fo' the Lord, honey!" exclaimed Auntie.

When she recovered,  she remarked, "Ole man know no one else ever wear that shirt again, now!"

And the princess left the cottage.

A massive welcome was given to Princess Louise when she arrived in Hamilton, Bermuda on January 29, 1883. Image from Wikimedia Commons