I'm reading The Queen by Robert Hardman and there is a part about the logistics of a state banquet.
There is a part in it where they say they have a phantom state banquet going on next door. This has various members of the household & at least two physicians in attendance. The reason for this is so that if any guest is delayed, taken ill or unable to attend last minute someone can drop into their place so no one ends up with an empty seat next to them.
From the contributors to the book it's obviously been pre-approved by the palace and legitimate in it's detail.
The part that peaked my interest is that also attending the phantom banquet would be a minor member of the royal family in case needed.
I always thought unless having a previous engagement or indisposed all the HRH's attended. So who would be the back up? You'd also think though that they'd attend tiara'd and jewelled.
So has anyone ever spotted a minor royal arriving that doesn't seem to have made the final cut?
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