AILEEN Stewart was puzzled when a royal invitation landed in her
letterbox late last week. Why on earth did the Prince of Wales want her
to go to Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh tomorrow to view his latest
collection of watercolour paintings?
After all, the 26-year-old photographer from Stirling is the first to
admit that she is not an expert art critic. Furthermore, while she has
on several occasions managed to capture the Prince on film during
previous royal visits, barely a word has ever been spoken.
''It was certainly a bit of a mystery when the invitation came in,''
she said yesterday, ''and I must admit that the thought crossed my mind
several times that it may be a little joke by some of my friends.
''However, I have checked it all out and the invitation is, in fact,
genuine.''
It would appear that the organisers of the Youth Business Trust, set
up in Scotland several years ago by the Prince, have been impressed by
Ms Stewart's flair and business acumen.
She received a loan from the trust three years ago to allow her to
establish her own photography business, based at the Stirling Enterprise
Park. Her talents have already resulted in the steady expansion of the
business.
She said: ''I have now taken on another photographer and two people to
handle the administrative side of things.''
While looking forward to her royal appointment, Aileen is reluctantly
having to accept one rule -- to leave the camera at home. ''Theyhave
ordered me to take the night off,'' she said.
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