Monday December 15, 1980

_. Jim R took me to Leeds with the ever increasingly silent Jennie. He gave me a paperback copy of the Diary of James Woodforde, covering a forty year period 1758-1802. Fascinating. In 2155 will this, my journal, be in print perhaps?

A day of breathless excitement. The Guardian carried a front page piece claiming that the Prince of Wales, fresh back from the Himalayas, is about to announce his engagement to Lady Diana Spencer. Derek Foster, the YP News editor, latches onto this, and prepares the way for the YP to follow on. Derek Foster,  a quiet and careful man doesn't do something on a groundless or flimsy base. The Guardian article actually said that the Queen wants to announce the forthcoming nuptials in her Christmas broadcast, but has been advised against this course because no newspapers are published until Dec 27. No. A Christmas announcement doesn't ring true. Big announcements are never made over Yuletide. All afternoon we await a royal announcement, but at 6 I left the office disappointed. 

Spoke to Ally several times. I might be going to Winchester for the New Year. I don't think Mother will like this.

Watched 'Not the Nine O'clock News', which was poor. Bed with Parson Woodforde and Thomas Hardy at 11:45pm.

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