Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 10, 1991                   TAG: 9104100318
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BEN BEAGLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CHARLES SAYS YES - BUT WILL HE SHOW UP?

There is something of a sticky wicket, however. Nobody will know for sure whether the Prince of Wales is coming until shortly before Sept. 14, when he is scheduled to visit.

The British Embassy "doesn't like to give out that information" ahead of time, said Jonathan Collins, society spokesman. He said Prince Charles is scheduled to be in the United States in September.

The plan is for the prince to come and be given the society's International Highlands Heritage Fellowship at a ceremony in the ballroom at the Patrick Henry Hotel in Roanoke. If Charles, the heir to the British throne, can't make it, a "duly appointed royal designee" would come to Roanoke.

Collins said movie star Cliff Robertson, who was given the same honor, will be in town to present the award to Prince Charles. Press-kit material included pictures of the prince and the actor wearing kilts.

The presentation will be part of the Blue Ridge Highlands Scottish Festival to be held in Roanoke's Victory Stadium Sept. 14.

The news conference at the Patrick Henry Tuesday was all rather British and/or Scottish. For one thing, Collins, a restaurant and hotel consultant, has a very nice British accent.

For another, John L. Harris Jr., a retired Roanoke physician, came fully kilted and filled the hotel lobby with the bold music of the bagpipes.

Some of the selections had nothing of the highlands about them - including the Marine hymn and "Amazing Grace."

"Aren't you going to ask me the question?" Harris asked a young woman.

The question is, of course: What does a Scotsman wear under his kilts?

There was some giggling.

Laban Johnson, the city's special affairs coordinator, said no one has any idea of who will accompany the prince. He said he doubts, however, that it will be Diana, princess of Wales.

Johnson asked if anybody had considered the dazzling fact that Franklin County racing promoter Whitey Taylor and Prince Charles are both connected to events at Victory Stadium. City Council recently gave Taylor permission to hold auto races at the stadium.