ACCORDING TO a report in British tabloid, News of the World, Queen Elizabeth II of England contemplated using premium rate phone-in lines to raise money.

The INQ, however, has been unable to trace any premium rate supplier who has been approached about setting up such a service.

An alleged royal source told the News of the World, "The phone-in idea was first born when we were looking at ways to raise cash for the Queen Mother Memorial. Then it was thought it could foot the bill for palace repairs, too."

Apparently, there were several possibilities for making the dial-a-royal scheme work. One involved Royal supporters dialling in and pledging money in a similar way to charity fund-raising events.

Another plan was to have Royal fans call a premium rate number and listen to a recording of the Queen thanking callers for their support.

The idea was apparently squashed when Royal aides considered what might happen if very few people actually called in. The situation could have been painted as public apathy towards the Royal plight.

The INQ contacted the relevant industry body – the Association for Interactive Media and Entertainment (AIME).

A spokesman said, "As far as we are aware, none of our members has been approached by the Royal Household. But we would be more than happy to help them locate a suitable premium rate service provider should they wish to do so."

The INQ suspects that many suppliers would have jumped at the chance to put "Purveyors of Premium Rate Services to the Queen" on their business letterheads. µ

L'INQ
News of the Screws