Mr. Humphries wasn't promoted to succeed Ernest Grainger, deemed 'too young', so Rumbold announces the internal winner: Peacock old friend Percival Tebbs, who proves a terrible traditional stickler, with an eye on Slocombe. When the news arrives the royal couple is about to visit the store's city quarter, and may even shortly enter Grace Brothers, everybody concentrates frantically on preparations, including a dress rehearsal with Peacock and Slocombe playing the duke and queen, even Mr. Grace takes part, alas also in the bumbling when he stays awake, while various attire adds to the misfits. Everybody watches the royal party approaching from Rumbold's office window, where the ultimate clumsiness ruins it all.
—KGF Vissers