Anne a lady in waiting

PRINCESS ANNE, who left Sri Lanka yesterday after a four-day visit, had the dubious distinction of being transformed into a lady-in-waiting by President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Kumaratunga, who has become notorious for her tardiness, left the Princess Royal waiting for nearly 10 minutes.

The princess arrived on time at the presidential secretariat in Colombo.

Kumaratunga's social secretary told their visitor that 'her excellency is running a bit late but do please take a seat'.

But Anne, obviously not about to encourage the unpunctuality of the Sri Lankan head of state replied: 'Thank you, but I'd rather stand.'