Celia Imrie was recently shocked to be left standing for a long train journey. But the etiquette of when to offer your seat is complicated
It’s easy to jump to conclusions, especially about human nature, particularly when your verdict is negative. But now and then, all is not as it seems. For example, in the case of Celia Imrie, who recently hosted the 80th anniversary VJ Day commemoration at the Armed Forces Memorial in Staffordshire. King Charles and Queen Camilla were in attendance, and she described the day as “extraordinary”. Unfortunately, the experience was dampened somewhat by her journey home to London.
“Now, I never make a fuss, but I had to stand all the way back for two-and-a-half hours because nobody decided to give up their seat,” the 73-year-old told a recent interviewer. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said, attributing this to being invisible to younger generations, who have no respect for their elders. “So if you’re asking me, do people not really notice you as you get older, I’m afraid I do notice that,” she continued. “Even just walking on the street, you’re not envisioned. It’s really weird. I wear a bright coat.”
Polly Hudson is a freelance writer
