And this was one of those occasions. It goes back 25 years to when King Charles III, Prince Charles as he was, came to Preston to see the multi-million pound investments at Deepdale Road.
Aside from the formalities of the walkabout tour of the ground, it was the pictures of the prince playing table football with our own legend Sir Tom Finney which caught the photographers’ attention.
It was a rain soaked day in the middle of the British summertime but that didn’t take the shine off what was a memorable day for the club. Sir Tom, whose ball skills thrilled millions of football fans, had been brushing up his table soccer skills because there had been whispers that HRH intended to challenge him to a game on a classic old Sokit game which was ready for display at the town's new soccer museum. And by the looks of it, they had the best time – wonder who won?
In case you missed them: Looking back to King Charles III's visits to Preston - including memories with treasured Sir Tom Finney
1. Royal football challenge
Game was on in this photo as Tom Finney and Prince Charles enjoy a clash over table soccer Photo: IAN ROBINSON
3. Royal challenge
Last minute practice, Preston North End legend Tom Finney tries the "Sokit" table football in preparation for his game against Prince Charles at Deepdale Photo: IAN ROBINSON
4. Football challenge
Tom Finney and Prince Charles in front of the Tom Finney Stand during the Royal visit to Preston North End Photo: IAN ROBINSON