King George V (1910-36) had only two pastimes: stamp collecting and killing game birds (he was said to have been the best shot in the country). On November 21, a Times correspondent proposed that the most valuable part of his stamp collection should be sold to help pay for the extensive repairs needed at Buckingham Palace. Alistair Lexden sent a light-hearted rejoinder which was published in the paper on November 23.
Sir, Collecting stamps provided King George V with his one constructive hobby. Without it there would hardly have been a game bird left in the kingdom. He vowed to come back and haunt anyone who broke up his albums. Is David White (letter, Nov.21) ready for nights of quarter-deck swearing in return for that block of Penny Blacks that he thinks should be sold to help meet the cost of refurbishing Buckingham Palace?
Lord Lexden
London SW1