Debbie Schlussel: Real-Life "King Ralph" Imitates Art

By Debbie Schlussel

Remember "King Ralph," the 1991 movie, in which a working-class American suddenly becomes a British royal, due to a distant line of succession? Well, life imitates art, yet again.

Bill Capell, a real life "Ralph Jones," is next in line to become Earl of Essex. Capell, a retired Yuba City, California grocery clerk, is considering it and whether he and his wife wasnt to move to England and renounce their U.S. citizenship.

I thought "King Ralph's" premise was far-fetched. But, 14 years later, Bill Capell proved me wrong. Though, I'm sure Capell is not a slob, like John Goodman's "Ralph."

Posted by Debbie on July 21, 2005 08:41 PM to Debbie Schlussel