For England, Harry and St George?!

Every parish I have been in has at least one - a pious little old lady whose only purpose in life seems to be the recitation of the Rosary. There is one rather particular and forceful such a character here in Skipton. She's Maltese, as she often explains to us who are somewhat puzzled by her behaviour...

Anyway, there's a marvellous story of how on the Solemnity of St George, she comes into church and sees candles burning in front of the icon depicted above. Quick as a flash, she accosts the priest and says: "Why have you got candles burning in front of a picture of a horse?!"
The priest, somewhat taken aback, explains that it is not a horse but the Patron of the Realm astride a horse.
She doesn't appear convinced and returns to her seat, grumbling...

I suppose one can't blame her too much - it is a very big horse!

Speaking of St George, my parish priest here in England often likes to say that St George is not, contrary to popular belief, the patron of England. That is St Edmund. Rather, St George is the Patron of the Realm, the personal Protector of the Sovereign. He is also patron of the Knights of the Garter whose 'spiritual home', the chapel at Windsor Castle is named in his honour.