Skegness Magazine

ROYAL SYMPATHY.
Princess and Invalids.
A pathetic incident occurred in connection with the visit of Her Highness Princess Marie Louise to Skegness.
Little Kenneth Hancock, the 8, years old son, of Mr. Drake Hancock, of Seacroft, who has been bedridden for some time, hearing of Her Highness’s visit, expressed a wish to see ” a real live Princess.” He asked his nurse to allow him to write a letter to the Royal lady, and permission being given, his request was forwarded to Her Highness.
The letter duly reached the Princess, and on Friday she called on the little fellow, and remained chatting by his bedside for some time. The little invalid felt very much elated at having his wish gratified of seeing “a real live Princess.”
After the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Hospital, on Friday, Her Highness in company with Capt. and Mrs. Weigall, went to see Mrs. Miller, Roman Bank, who has been bedridden for some time.
The invalid was surprised to see the Princess, who showed a sympathetic interest in her illness.

Source: Skegness, Mablethorpe and Alford News, 4th October, 1911.

The name of the child’s father in this story, Drake Hancock, has us a little perplexed at the moment, as there is no such record in the censuses or the BMDs!