Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 31 – When Two Princes Visited the King

Not only is Elvis well loved here in the Unites States, he has fans all over the world–fans from paupers to princes, in fact.

Last year when Prince William and Prince Harry were in Memphis for a friend’s wedding, they visited Graceland. The mansion was shut down to the public for the visit, and the royals, along with a group that included Princess Eugenie and Beatrice, toured the home and grounds.

Here they are on Graceland grounds wearing the famous Elvis sunglasses:

Even though Elvis died before they were born, the princes were interested enough in his legacy to take time out of their schedule to visit his home. A true testament to the far-reaching and lasting popularity of the King of Rock and Roll.

While Elvis was loved all over the world, he never toured overseas, although he said many times that he wanted to. Supposedly, the reason that Colonel Parker never allowed Elvis to tour outside of the U.S. was because he was an illegal immigrant from Holland, and he was afraid of being deported, or perhaps even imprisoned (there were rumors that he was wanted for murder, but I don’t know if that’s true).

Here is Elvis in front of his beloved home in 1957, the year he purchased Graceland:

Have you ever visited Graceland? Would you like to? I’ve been several times and am looking forward to going again sometime, hopefully soon. I can’t wait to try out the new Ipads they provide on the tour where John Stamos’ voice is the tour guide. How cool is that?

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Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.

Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

On Elvis’ birthday this year, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.

All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

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