Kind thoughts, please.

At a private gig yesterday afternoon, without warning, Her Grace's upper spoon just snapped in two.

These spoons have served her well for more than 35 years, and over the years have become one with her hands, fitting perfectly to her needs as a virtuoso of the kitchen percussion.

They were liberated from Loughborough College in the mid 70s and, being EPNS, had a quality tone.

At the gig she had to borrow some stainless steel ones from the hotel kitchen, and being modern just didn't have the same tone.

She now has the long and arduous task of training up a new pair of apprentice spoons.