Vincent Korda, having staged a private pantomime in which Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and several other blue-blooded children took part, was once invited to tea by King George and Queen Elizabeth.

Korda -- unnerved by his exalted surroundings and his thick Hungarian accent -- did his best to make some conversation. The queen, noticing his anxiety, asked whether he was uncomfortable.

"My feet hurt," he replied, giving the first excuse that came to mind. "Mine do too," the queen replied, and promptly slipped off her royal shoes.

[Korda quickly followed suit and immediately felt at ease.]