A man who played with film star Vivienne Leigh and danced with Wallis Simpson has celebrated his centenary.

Humphrey Burgess, who lives at the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, based in Woodmansterne Lane, Banstead, celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends and Reigate and Banstead’s mayor Councillor Lynne Hack last Friday, December 6.

Originally from Sanderstead, in Surrey, Mr Burgess, spent time playing with Gone With The Wind actress Vivienne Leigh as a boy as his family's garden back onto a friend's garden in which the future film icon used to go and play.

He trained as a dentist and married his first wife Margaret Grant in 1939, the day before World War Two was declared.

At the start of the war, Mr Burgess served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as a surgeon lieutenant, and was then posted to India in 1944 and joined the Marine Commandos.

During the war years, he shared a sleeping compartment with Prince Philip on his way to Scotland to join his ship. 

During a stop-off in Cannes while returning to the UK, he danced with Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, at a reception.  Mr Burgess' daughter, Angie King, said she believes the Royal Navy wanted to avoid entertaining the Duke and Duchess of Windsor on board a ship as the Duke, formerly King Edward VIII, had abdicated the throne by this point to marry the American divorcee, and the couple would still technically have been on British soil.

Ms King said a party, including her father, went ashore to a reception during which Mr Burgess sat next to the Duchess and and danced with her.

She said: "He did say that she had the ability to make you feel special."

After the war, Mr Burgess owned a dental practice in Chelsea, but, following a heart attack in his early 50s, he retired and enjoyed his hobbies which include golf and caravanning as well as continuing his passion for all things maritime by keeping boats.

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His wife Margaret died in 1987 and he re-married Marianne Greenwood later in the same year.  The pair have spent their retirement going on cruises and travelling the world.

Mr Burgess is father to Robin Burgess, as well as Angie King, and has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Ms King said: "His funny little anecdotes are legendary and isn’t it wonderful that at the age of 100 he is still telling them. 

"He is very happy and popular at the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society. I live in Norfolk and it is very reassuring to know that he in such good hands."

Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt OBE, chief executive of the society, said: "It is not often you get to celebrate this landmark age and the Royal Alfred community is really pleased to be celebrating this birthday with Mr Burgess and his family."