THE expression 'the patient', referring to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, by her husband Prince Edward, is a form of endearment.
Many times, when I've inquired about someone's health, I've been told 'the patient' is fit and well etc.
As for repeating it many times as your letter from Ella Hirst suggests (December 12), I believe he said it once and the same news was repeated many times. It was usually 'my wife' coming from someone who, judging by the way he looked at her, obviously adores her.
I don't think Ella Hirst was kind talking about Prince Edward as 'gormless' and 'the deceased'. He too was suffering over the loss of his first child.
They both have my sympathy and love, especially in this season of Christmas and, supposedly, goodwill. But not from Ella Hirst, I fear.
Gladys Evans,
Newland Park Drive,
Hull Road, York.
Updated: 09:55 Wednesday, December 19, 2001
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