The most unlikely figures lost their nerve in the presence of Princess Margaret. Marlon Brando once asked Kenneth Tynan to arrange an introduction. Accordingly, Tynan took them for a dinner à trois at Parkes restaurant in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge.
‘For the only time in my experience I saw him over-awed, literally unable to address her except through me: “Would you ask Princess Margaret what she thinks of …” etc.
‘HRH said next day on the phone that this wasn’t an uncommon reaction. “People just clam up. I’m told it’s like going on television for the first time.”’
Her sister, both more forbidding and more cautious, takes active steps to prevent over-excitement. Guests entering Buckingham Palace are discreetly asked if they would care to spend a penny before being presented.