Our end of month roundup of stories to make you smile turned up this gem first reported on “Around the BBC”, the BBC’s collection of random items in the news. We hope you will enjoy it. – Editor
LONDON, May 6, 2023 – Westminster Abbey was closed to tourists today while some Londoner was given a new hat. A witness, who was able to peer through the doors before they were slammed shut in his face, said he saw a hat on a red velvet pillow and described it as “quite gaudy” and “something I might expect to see at a fancy dress [costume] party.” The witness described the unknown man as a tall, rather slender senior citizen who looked sad as if attending a funeral. A woman, looking equally unhappy, was at his side.
When the man emerged from the cathedral, he was seen wearing the fancy hat and a white fur coat over a blue silk gown of some sort. The woman at his side was wearing a similar hat and a lovely white dress. The couple left in a fairy tale like horse drawn coach reminiscent of something that might be seen at a Disney amusement park. Onlookers could be heard gossiping among themselves about the presumed costume party the couple was heading to, and speculating that the couple was dressed as a king and queen from a past era, though they did not seem to agree on which country that might be. “Wherever they are going, they certainly will make an impression on the other guests,” a woman remarked, rolling her eyes.
Meanwhile, a large crowd filled nearby streets, likely due to the Champions League final match involving the London team, Arsenal Football Club.