KENSINGTON PALACE.
LONDON. W. 8.
13/€
12th February, 1975
I am sorry for the delay in answering your letter of the 24th January but unfortunately we have met with difficulties.
Princess Alexandra, to her great regret, has to ask me to let you know that she is not after all able to accept your invitation to be present at the fashion show of Hong Kong products on the evening of Thursday, the 10th April. The Princess was hoping that, inspite of the school holidays, she would be able to undertake this engagement for you but, before she could give a definite answer, I felt that I needed to consult Mr. Andrew Stuart as you had kindly suggested in your letter. My concern was that the engagement might cause controversy over here because of the present problems with which the British fashion industry is faced, due to rising costs. Mr. Stuart subsequently consulted Ministers and, whilst we were all hoping the suspicions were unfounded, they have unfortunately been confirmed.
The Princess knows, through her connection with the Police and from the newspapers, a little of your difficulties in Hong Kong and she is particularly sorry not to have been able to accept your invitation; however, Her Royal Highness feels sure that you are well aware of the economic situation over here at the moment and that you will therefore understand. Princess Alexandra very much hopes, nevertheless, that she will have a chance to see you and Lady MacLehose while you are in London and I will ask Mr. Stuart to let me know how to get in touch with you. The Princess sends her best wishes to you and your wife.
His Excellency
Sir Murray MacLehose, KCMG, MBE,
Private Secretary