Royal Lunch for Gordonstoun Parents

Being parents of former students at Gordonstoun School in Scotland helped prominent citizens receive invitations to one of the most intimate lunches hosted by Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of York, on Her Majesty’s Royal Yacht Britannia.

The duke and his father and brothers are all devoted alumni of Gordonstoun. Prince Andrew, in fact, is a trustee, and because Jean Veit, former Marlborough librarian and a resident of Newport Beach, escorts Southland youngsters to the school (26 are signed up for the 180 positions this summer), California casts a sunny ray on the tony school between Inverness and Aberdeen.

Thus, the royal pair invited Gordonstoun parents aboard for a six-course sit-down lunch with beef stroganoff, creme brule and French wines. Who? Oilman William Keck II (on the princess’ right) and Jean Schwabauer; Mrs. Veit (on the prince’s right); Kacey and Peter McCoy (Nancy Reagan’s former chief of staff); Dr. George and Maria Andros; Angus and Lucy (the illustrious realtor) McBain of Hancock Park, lawyer Richard Sobelle and his wife Elizabeth of Brentwood, investor Fred and Joyce Hameetman, lawyer J. Michael and Phyllis Hennigan (she was co-chair of the recent March of Dimes gala), Dr. O. Joachim and Inge Granzow of Santa Monica, attorney Joel and Judith Citron, lawyer and Anglophile (Churchill expert) Robert P. Hastings, O.B.E., of Pasadena.

The conversation was abuzz with the fact that Keck, whose son Teddy was a student there, has given an upscale donation to Gordonstoun for its new music building. Keck is suggesting it be named for the Duke of York, and the latter reportedly is flattered. “No one knows me over there,” Keck murmured. Now they will.

“Every time we do a party, it rains,” lamented Jacquie Theis and Nancy Vreeland of the Costume Council to New York’s Kitty D’Alessio, president of Chanel Inc.

Chanel presented its spring/summer ready-to-wear collection Monday in the Bing Auditorium of the County Museum of Art, with a finale of the recent Paris couture. At this point, the sell-out crowd was supposed to saunter to the Times Mirror Central Court for a high tea, but a downpour all but brought a halt to tea traffic.

Nevertheless, Somerset Caterers met smudged eyes and de-poufed do’s with cucumber cups filled with savory mousses, tomato brie tarts, smoked salmon and wine and tea, while blustery winds blew.

Barbara Davis’ driver, carrying a mammoth umbrella, met her at the door. Biddy Liebig encountered warmth--anchored to the heater. Milling about were Maria Mallace and Becky Garnett (who had planned the occasion), Camilla Mackeson of Chanel, Susie Maguire, looking chic in gray Chanel wool; Betty Wilson, Giney Milner, Erlenne Sprague, Betty Ann Keon, Susi McConaghy, Virginia and Janice Carpenter.

Costume Council types tend to leave their umbrellas and raincoats in the car. Carolyn Fox and Gabriella Santaniello found themselves drenched. “My dress is actually lengthening,” Gabriella giggled. “And, oh, look, my shoulder pad has slipped to my elbow. I look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

SAVE THE DATE: Associates of the House Ear Institute will honor Dr. and Mrs. Armand Hammer at its annual benefit gala March 22 at the Beverly Hilton. The doctor and Frances will receive the Humanitarian Award. Nanette Fabray is masterminding ceremonies with Roger Williams and Jay Johnson. Athalie Clarke is honorary chairman.

A SIP OF ART: Charo Goodan plans “A Sip of Art” honoring Gil Nickel of Far Niente Winery as Winemaker of the Year for the Friends of the Junior Arts Center benefit on Saturday at the MGM Filmland Center in Culver City.

Heading the “dusty-bottle” wine and art auction are Estee Aaronson, Corinna Cotsen, Elizabeth Eastman, Joann Gloege, Anne Gregor, Melinda Groban, Doreen Kaye, Suzanne Moss, Cindy Norian, Alan Silbergh and Nanci Twerdahl.

YUMMIES: Be a good scout yourself and support the local Girl Scouts between Friday and March 20 in their famous Cookie Sale. Saturday and March 12 they sell at Thrifty Drug Stores between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. For the record, we hear the traditional Thin Mint leads the list, followed by Scot-Teas, the old-fashioned shortbread--and so British, you know.

ESCALATION: A Paris fashion show and luncheon featuring the haute couture of Beverly Hills designer Fe Zandi will highlight the Centinela Hospital Children’s Charity Fund today at the Beverly Hills Hotel. . . .

Mayfield Junior School Alumnae Mothers lunch Tuesday at the home of Marcia Hayden in San Marino to put “a class act” on their upcoming soiree headed by Dee Maeching and Patty Turrentine. . . .

The 14th annual Pitzer College National Issues Forum is set for March 29, featuring an address by Tipper Gore, wife of Sen. Albert Gore and author of “Raising PG Kids in an X-Rated Society.” The evening honors Dr. Armand Hammer. . . .

Spring hatboxes will be centerpieces for “A Fantastic Affair--A Day to Remember” for the National Charity League Los Angeles Chapter and Junior Charity League fashion luncheon Saturday, headed by Antoinette Eley of Encino.

PAST PERFECT: The Bib and Tuckers, hostesses for the Assistance League Tearoom, 50th birthday tea . . . Eleanor Wilson of Bel-Air heading the Bookworm Auxiliary’s Storybook Ball at Bel-Air Country Club . . . Delta Zeta Lamplighters’ Travilla fashion luncheon planned by Barbara Decker . . . Flower Guild Charities for Children benefit run by Coco Adams . . . The Lee Edward Travis scholarship benefit for communications disorders followed by the California Music Theatre production, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium . . . And the “Drood” gala honoring Rupert Holmes, the creator, and the post-party at Beckham Place.