THE PRINCE AND REGGIE.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1921, Page 3

THE PRINCE AND REGGIE.

A HOSPITAL DIALOGUE. LONDON,’ Jan. 2(5. The Prince of Wales met the frankest little subject in the Empire when, yesterday, lie visited the Victoria Hospital I for Children, Chelsea, S.W., of which | he is president. [ He was conducted by Princess Louise | to the cot of Reggie McKenna, aged 5. ■ 'blue-eyed and flaxen-haired. | Taking from Reggie a toy battleship I he was sailing on his lap, the Prince began: j “Well, little man, is this the Queen ' Elizabeth?” I “No, it isn’t,” ' said Reggie with slight scorn. “Tain‘l big enough!” j “You had a dream about the Prince of Wales, didn’t you, Reggie?” asked Princess Louise. “Oil, yes!” lie cried delightedly. “I dreamt lie came to breakfast with me. j If he had come this morning he would j have had cold ham. 1 had cold ham—it’s nice,” lie confided. “Well, don’t you recognise the Prince here now?” pursued the Princess. “No, 1 don’t,” returned Reggie flatly. “He ain’t the Prince.” “I think I am,” laughed the Prince, bending over the cot. WHERE’S YOUR BAND?. “How can you he flic Prince?” Reggie challenged, and then, triuinliaiiLly, “There ain’t no hand with you!” I The Prince roared with laughter, * Princess Louise brought a handkerchief . to her eyes, and Reggie chuckled seere- 1 tively for a space, and then—“1 say,” he whispered to the Prince, ; “I had turkey for dinner at Christmas. ; And,” ho added darkly, “I’ve still got it here in my tummy.”

As lie was passing on to tlie next ward the Prince called out to Reggie: “Good-live, Reggie—take care of the turkev!”

“Good-hve,” returned Reggie, in a tone of complete familiarity.