Royals offer to scrap yacht

THE YEAR began with the Queen offering to dispense with the royal yacht Britannia as a cost-cutting gesture in light of the poor shape of the economy. Britannia was estimated to cost pounds 550,000 a year to operate.

The Defence Secretary decided against scrapping the yacht. The Prime Minister's office took two months to reply to the Queen, who became anxious that the public be told her offer. A statement about the offer was issued.

The yacht was to continue in its role for 30 years.