Gamblers of class
Sir: The poor little Greek boy has got it wrong again (`High life', 17 January). I must advise Taki that, more than 200 years ago, wicked Ralph Benson was gadding about with the Prince Regent and, indeed, married one of his girl friends. At much the same time Captain Riou (another direct ancestor) was the hero of the Battle of Copenhagen, in which he was Nelson's right-hand man and was, sadly, killed.
And my grandmother was a Cholmondeley (pronounced Chumley, Taki). Unfortunately wicked Ralph blew the family fortune on gambling and racehorses. Messrs Aspinall, William Hill and Ladbroke will testify that I am trying to rebuild it by similar methods.
No, it is Mick Jagger, Dennis Lillee, Robert Sangster, the Aga Khan, and my wife who are the social climbers in cultivating my friendship; but I don't mind! My family tree was flowering when Taki's ancestors were swinging from an olive branch.
Charles Benson 4 Eaton Mansions, Cliveden Place, London SW1
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