With the help of  Prince Charles, Southampton hosted the first Great Ormond Street Wishing Well Appeal gala outside London.

Before the future king had even pulled up outside the Mayflower Theatre on December 1, 1988, more than £100,000 had been raised for the famous London hospital through the sale of programmes and tickets.

While escorted by Lord and Lady Romsey, the Prince met with event organisers and some of the 2,000-strong audience.


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Eight-year-old Jenny Evett, who used to be a patient at Great Ormond Street Hospital, was last in line to receive the award.

As The Prince took his seat in the front row of the dress circle, the packed auditorium erupted in applause.

Daily Echo:

Comedians Billy Pearce and Dave Lee jokingly teased the Prince and Broadway veteran Celeste Holm, who starred with Frank Sinatra in High Society, belted out a song.

Appropriately for Southampton, the show had a nautical theme with songs like Dames at Sea and South Pacific.

Daily Echo: