![]() ![]() The historian and author Peter Bance has been a superstar, nothing less. Thanks also to his personal assistant Melanie Shuttler, who endured daft queries and even went around the old hall with a measuring tape for me. He also was good enough to show me the grounds and share some of his family’s memories of the Duleep Singhs. He facilitated a rare and valuable glimpse of the Maharajah’s Suffolk palace. I am also indebted to Ned Guinness, Earl of Iveagh, who kindly opened the doors of Elveden to me. His ancestors include James Mayes (head gamekeeper at Elveden), Margaret Mayes (former housekeeper at Faraday House) and Ethel and Maggie Snell (ladies’ maids with whom the princess maintained a friendship long after they left her service). ![]() I was given fantastic insight into the workings of Faraday House by Lillian Coram, who worked as a maid for Sophia, and also Robert Kybird, former mayor of Thetford and present chairman of Breckland District Council. Ladies, I hope I did well by your princess. I am very proud to count these extraordinary women as my friends. They have given me access to their personal archives, and endless cake and hospitality. ![]() Both knew her and loved her tremendously. Brace yourselves!ĭrovna Oxley and Shirley Phimister (née Sarbutt) are living links to Sophia Duleep Singh. ![]() I have had so much help from so many wonderful people, this may take some time. ![]()
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