Bob 'the Cat' Bevan Roasts The Duke

In 2000 the Lord’s Taverners celebrated its 50th anniversary and held a dinner in honour of their Patron and 12th Man HRH, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. The speakers were, Sir David Frost, Robert Powell, Sir John Mills, Sir Tim Rice and Head of ITV Sport, John Bromley. But the show was stolen by Bob “the Cat” Bevan with his poem “The Duke and I” in which he gently pulled the Duke’s leg for never recognising him. Ten years later he performed “The Duke and I – the Sequel” at the 60th anniversary at St James’s Palace and the Duke responded with one verse about “the Cat”. Sadly there were no cameras present for that occasion. Bevan became a great favourite of the Duke’s and appeared at many functions with him including the Centenary of the Royal Household Cricket Club and the Variety Club 90th birthday tribute to the Duke which also included Barry Humphries, Frank Carson and Al Murray, “the Pub Landlord.