http://spitalfieldslife.com/2015/05/22/the-man-beneath-trafalgar-square/
Most folks on this side of the pond, only know of the Pearlies from Mary Poppins. They are the little band that plays during the horse race.
In 1975, USS Farragut had to visit Portsmouth for damage to the sonar domes. It was not scheduled and a lot of high muckety-mucks came to visit. Just after berthing, the port admiral, some general, and probably the city mayor and dogcatcher were having coffee with the captain.
Frank Hauk had the Quarterdeck and called to say there was another visitor. "The Pearlie King of Portsmouth was here to see the captain. With his Pearlie wife and Pearlie daughter."
If Nessie had shown up from Loch Ness, the captain couldn't have been more confused.
Ha, great story! I'd never heard of Croft before, so I'm happy to have that lack rectified. :)