The Steeple Times asks public relations guru The Hon. Alexandra Foley: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My nanny.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Ut prosim” – “That I may do good”. I like medieval swords. I have them hidden all over my house.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Who the fuck is Kerry Katona? I think rudeness is unacceptable in all of its forms.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Not having a log cabin in America.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Spending time with all my friends and family who are dead.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I don’t agree with banker bashing, I don’t agree with UK bank bashing and I’d still quite like to live in London.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Toilet” and “Stylish”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I’ve always had a horror of being homeless and I support Habitat for Humanity. I fully intend to help this worthy cause through Lady Foley Grand Tour™ as since I’m dealing with people with very grand homes, I’d like to help those with no homes at all.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
I think they should be like children. They should be seen and not heard unless the owner switches them on.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
My grandfather’s closest friend Albert Einstein, my maternal great great grandfather’s best friend Joseph Zoellner, Clark Gable (his wife was a great friend of mine), Nelson (whom my ancestor won the Battle of the Nile for) and J. K. Rowling (as I admire her greatly).
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
My last meal would be lamb cutlets, mashed potato and peas proceeded by cream tomato soup and followed by apple pie. It would be at Claridge’s circa 1972. I would like it to be served by Bruno Roti.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Whenever I am feeling in the mood.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A margarita.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
That’s a wonderful question. Those hosted by really old friends where I’ve introduced people to one another. There’s a wonderful camaraderie because I’ve introduced networks of people together.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My stepmother’s great great nephew, Max. He is 26 and is like a ray of sunshine and I only have to hear his voice and he makes me feel absolutely happy.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Watching movies into the wee hours of the morning on a week night.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A firearm as I have a passion for weapons. A six-shooter, a tent and a coronet.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I am a Morgan.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I am extremely vulnerable.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
I don’t have one but if I did I’d have my model Morgan.
The Hon. Alexandra Foley is a public relations professional who has worked on projects ranging from the 1996 Titanic expedition to the Saltydog Investor. Prior to this, she was a specialist in modern sporting guns at Sotheby’s for nearly 14 years and now also organises tours of Britain’s grandest historic houses through her firm, Lady Foley Grand Tour™.
View Alex Foley’s website at: http://www.alexfoleypr.com
Learn more about Lady Foley Grand Tour™: http://www.alexfoleypr.com/ladyfoleygrandtour
Great, Alex
Best Wolfgang
I agree with you about Max!!!
[EDITED] It’s really rather bad form to use a courtesy title these days.
My friends, the Cecil girls, would never dream of doing so….nor any of my other friends from ancient aristocratic families. But her willingness to do so says much about the social clambering habits of the English. The first Foley was, according to historic sources, a Black Country nailmaker of very modest means who made a fortune and then enhanced his family’s social status by marrying well above themselves using their fortune as a passport”
They way she carries on anyone would think she descends from an ancient English family like the Howards or Percys…her family are merely trade done well….
And yet you are the one that has ended up looking like the name dropping snob. “My friends the Cecil girls….”. Going and digging around in anyone’s past will probably turn up both modest and noble ancestors.
“Matilda told such dreadful lies it made one screech and stretch one’s eyes”. With apologies to H. Belloc!
Now Matilda, I fear you are right….even though it has taken a year for you to reply.
I fear there is a world of difference between a family, such as the Cecils’ who ran England for decades and some nailmaker’s descendant who insists on using a courtesy title.
It made one gasp and stretch one’s eyes. All paupers are descended from kings and vice versa. But I like your style Pete.