“After months of consultation, the 44-year-old Royal Ballet is understood to be about to replace Princess Margaret, the inaugural president who died last February, with a mere civilian. In a move that comes as a snub to the Prince of Wales, many people’s favoured candidate, the ballet is expected to appoint Dame Beryl Grey, 75, one of Britain’s premier ballerinas and the company’s vice-chairman.” Is it important for arts organizations to have royal patrons anymore?