By George the Bognor riddle solved

QUESTION Which monarch was prompted to say 'B****r Bognor' and why?

The monarch was George V renowned for his robust language. He didn't suffer fools gladly.

There are two versions of the story. One suggests that having convalesced in the Sussex resort from an illness seven years earlier, when the King was on his deathbed on January 20, 1936, one of his doctors said: 'Cheer up, Your Majesty, you'll soon be in Bognor again.'

He is said by some to have replied with the famous words before expiring.

The second version claims that in 1929, as his convalescence in bognor was drawing to an end, a deputation of the resorts leading citizens came to ask him if, in view of his patronage, their town could henceforth call itself Bognor Regis.

They were received by the King's private secretary, Stamfordham, who said he would inform the king of their desire.

'B****r Bognor' was his response. On returning to the deputation, Stamfordham diplomatically said: 'His Majesty is graciously pleased to grant your request.'

R.J.F. Lloyd, Southsea, Portsmouth

04/05/07 11:58