As the Queen’s press secretary, Ronald Allison had to advise Her Majesty on her role at any upcoming engagements – such as presenting the FA Cup at the 1976 final between the odds-on favourites Manchester United and Southampton.
As a lifelong Saints supporter, Allison explained how she would be “presenting the Cup to the Southampton captain”. Her Majesty approved, but added that: “Edward tells me it will be Manchester United, not Southampton.”
What did Edward know? The Queen presented the Cup to Southampton’s Peter Rodrigues. She has never attended a Cup final since.
