Princess Mary and the Costermonger

Princess May, the daughter of the Duchess of Teck and the future Queen Mary, went driving in Hammersmith and there saw a costermonger beating his donkey. She stopped the carriage and directed her footman to take away the stick from the costermonger.

The costermonger, deprived of his natural rights, showered upon the princess a storm of abuse and demanded the name of the woman who had dared to interfere with him.

“I am Princess Mary of Teck,” the young woman replied.

When the costermonger knew of the royal presence in front of him, his face blushed with shame, bowed down, and begged a humble pardon. The princess forgave him, lectured him upon his cruelty but prevented him from being arrested by the police. The Australian Star, 4 Apr 1893