Improper Geoffrey

Scholars from the Leyton County High School stood in a respectful row last week to receive the official inspection of His Royal Highness Edward of Wales. As H. R. H. passed down the line, one Geoffrey Gill, 15, piped: "Please, Sir, mayn't I have your autograph?"

Leyton's black-gowned headmaster started as though stung, turned apple-red.

"Sorry, old man," said Edward of Wales, "I can't do it, because if I do I shall have to do it for the rest of the school too."

That evening Geoffrey Gill was dismissed from school "for a gross breach of discipline and a grave impropriety to his Royal Highness."

British newspapers headlined the incident. The father of Improper Geoffrey wrote to St. James's Palace, asking if the Prince had really been annoyed by the request. Result: a two-page autograph letter for Improper Geoffrey, marked "Strictly Private, Not for Publication," and Geoffrey's hasty reinstatement in the school.

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