LONDON—In the Swinging ‘Thirties, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala was a frequent quest at the famous Savoy hotel on the strand in London, which celebrated it centenary recently. The ruler’s, who were familiar faces on London’s social scene, were known for both their ostentation and royal quirks,
The Maharaja of Patiala often booked all 35 suites on its fifth floor and insisted on decorating them daily with 3,000 fresh roses. A silver bath, a private lift gilded with gold lacquer and a private kitchen were specially installed for him. He dined from his personal silver dishes.
Once six quails then out of season were acquired from Egypt and found inadequate to satisfy his appetite. An elephant was carved out of an ice block designed to resemble Patiala’s crest and display on the table to delight the Maharaja.
To lunch privately with King George V, the Maharaja once left the savoy in a fleet of Rolls Royce carrying 100 new suits from Saville Row. Six polo ponies followed the procession of cars.
The Maharaja of Kapurthala was fond of dancing often conscripted the Savoy band for Raucous private parties in his suite, which once infuriated General Smutts, the South African leader, who was also then staying there.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 18, 1989
