Royal language translators who thought they could put their feet up during this week's visit to North Yorkshire by the Queen and Prince Philip are in for a surprise.

Interpreters who have translated for the royal family on countless trips abroad may find themselves struggling for words - without even leaving Britain.

Their challenge will come when Prince Philip visits the working men's club in Knaresborough as part of his North Yorkshire tour tomorrow.

There he will be greeted by the town's former mayor Dr Arnold Kellett, who is also an expert on the Yorkshire dialect - and intends to prove it.

Dr Kellett will introduce himself in traditional Yorkshire speak before presenting the prince with a copy of his new book about the famous song On Ilkla Mooar baht'at.

The 148-page volume explains the origins of the colloquial song, which has become an anthem for the county but is described by Dr Kellett as "surrounded by mystery, controversy and downright nonsense".

If he reads the book, Prince Philip will discover how the rousing hymn was sung by members of a Victorian chapel choir, on an outing to Ilkey Moor, in jest at a couple who wandered off from the main party to go "courting".

It remains to be seen what the Duke of Edinburgh, not known for his tact on cultural matters, will make of the unfamiliar tongue, but Dr Kellett is optimistic.

He said: "I'm sure the Duke has a sense of humour so it should go down well. I'm not sure what I'm going to say yet but it will be something appropriate in dialect.

"Most people don't understand Ilkla Mooar baht'at but I'm quite pleased he is going to be given something so characteristically Yorkshire. It is synonymous with the county."

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