“I am not sure if it was my imagination, or if my vision was playing truant once again, but I am sure it was you who I saw the other day inside the museum complex. Lady Flora, were you chatting with the Prince of Wales?” There was a longish silence from his walking companion’s end. She was trying to collect her thoughts so her exploits did not come across as trivial. “I was inside the premises, but that was only out of sheer curiosity on the progress of the conservation work of the century-old building. The Prince of Wales, I mean King George V, on seeing my intent, graciously agreed to take me for a site visit. I even saw the grand dome up close; the view was just fabulous,” Lady Flora shared. She was hoping her friend would end the inquisition. That wasn’t to be.

On the contrary, it made Sir PM even more curious. “Is it? What else did you see on your visit?” Lady Flora was hesitant to divulge tidbits from her exclusive tour. After all, she felt privileged that her royal friend had played guide. “I was elated that George remembered our interaction from over a century ago, when he was driving through Fort, and had halted for a better look at my beauty and grandeur. We had a pleasant conversation. So, when I learnt that there was extensive conservation at the museum, I was naturally keen to have a look. And lo and behold, George obliged. Mind you, even the upkeep of his impressive form is part of this project, so we had to ensure he didn’t put pressure on the restorative process,” she added. By now, Sir PM was positively piqued. “What else did your royal friend share about those early days?”