Unholy hoax
Sir: Father Antony Sutch's reference (Gun- powder, treason and plot', 16 January) to press speculation, which I have not seen, over the possible conversion to Rome of the Princess of Wales persuades me to come clean. I made the story up last sum- mer. In my version the Princess was intro- duced by her friend, my cousin James Gilbey, to his great-uncle Monsignor Alfred Gilbey whose instruction has led so many converts into the faith. Monsignor Gilbey was to receive into the Catholic Church the Princess, and shortly afterwards Prince William and Prince Harry, who would thenceforward be barred by Statute from acceding to the throne. This would clear the way for the Duke of York. A mis- directed golf ball polishes him off. Hey
'He's famous. He has a "gate" after his name.'
Prestwick (pathetic golfing allusion), and step forward Princesses Beatrice and Euge- nie, with Fergie as power behind the throne. The whole saga had a sort of spuri- ous symmetry that historians sometimes fall for. Anyway, I told a number of people, as if it were based on solemn fact, to test their reactions (in each case, Holy Dread!), before admitting it was a silly spoof. Unless nature really is imitating art, someone has passed on the story — without the rider.
I am truly contrite, and hope that I can hope for understanding from Father Antony at least. He is the priest who was standing in at my local parish church (served by monks from Downside) on 1 April 1990, when he informed the congre- gation from the pulpit, with a straight face, that in future any woman entering a church uncovered was in danger of serious sin. April Fool!
Anthony Gilbey
White Lion House, Wangford, Beccles, Suffolk
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