In the early 1930s, when the future King Edward VIII was a rather popular Prince of Wales, there was a music hall favourite which claimed “I’ve danced with a man who’s danced with a girl who’s danced with the Prince of Wales.” This weekend I find myself in a similar sort of position. I’ve found a tailor who makes suits for Tony Blair and now he’s making one for me as well!

Known by the somewhat unlikely name of ‘Mr Savileroy’, he’s a Kashmiri gentleman called Abdul Majid Butt and his family has been making bespoke suits and ladies dresses since the early years of the 20th century. What’s more Mr Butt has an album of handwritten recommendations to prove his credentials. The oldest, from an English lady who lived in Sialkot (now in Pakistani Punjab), is dated September 20th, 1933 and was given to his father. “A. Salama has made me two tweed cardigans and skirts”, it reads. “I was very pleased with his work.” Six years later, Major Warriman of Queen Victoria’s Own Corps of Guides testified: “A. Salama has made me a coat and some pairs of shorts. His work seems very satisfactory.”