Latest news with #BuckinghamPalace
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Palace lobbied Downing Street for £50m Royal yacht replacement
Buckingham Palace lobbied Sir John Major's government for a £50m replacement of the Royal Yacht Britannia, newly released files suggest. Cabinet Office papers released by the National Archives reveal apparent backhanded manoeuvring by palace officials as ministers agonised over whether to order a replacement for the vessel. The files show how courtiers invited civil servants to a 'splendid lunch' on the yacht and tried to influence a speech by Sir John, then prime minister, as part of a thinly veiled campaign to replace the ship. By 1993 it was apparent that, after 39 years, Britannia was reaching the end of its life, but Sir John's Conservative government had yet to decide whether to invest in a new one. It was widely thought Queen Elizabeth II strongly favoured the commissioning of a new yacht but the Royal family could not afford to be seen to be trying to influence political decision-making. However, files released by the Archives at Kew, west London, show that senior courtiers privately approached No 10 to see if the prime minister would make a Commons statement stressing Britannia's ' inestimable value ' to the nation. The plan, which appears to be a show of support for a new yacht, was rejected by the Cabinet Office, which warned that any such comments would be highly 'prejudicial'. One senior official noted caustically that a claim by the Palace that the Queen was 'indifferent' as to the outcome of a review of the yacht's future 'hardly rings true'. The issue of a new yacht came at an extremely difficult time for both the government and the Palace, with support for the royals at a low ebb. There had been an angry public backlash the previous year when ministers announced the taxpayer would pick up the bill, which eventually ran to £36m, for the restoration of Windsor Castle following a catastrophic fire. In the aftermath of her 'annus horribilis', which also saw the separation of Charles and Diana, the Queen agreed that she would for the first time pay taxes. 'Of inestimable value to the UK' With Sir John due to announce the historic move in a statement to parliament, Sir Robert Fellows, the Queen's private secretary, saw an opportunity to secure what would amount to a show of support for a new yacht. He asked Alex Allan, the prime minister's principal private secretary, whether Sir John would insert a passage referring to the importance of Britannia as well as the Queen's flight and the royal train. He suggested the prime minister should tell MPs that it was not just a question of cost 'but also the style in which we wish our head of state and members of the royal family to represent us ' in their public duties. 'It is always difficult to put a price on prestige but I have no doubt that over the years these items have been of inestimable value to this country.' Sir Robert's proposed addition to Sir John's statement went on: 'I would also like to make clear that there is not, and never has been, any pressure from the Queen to build a replacement for HMY Britannia. 'Should the government decide it is in the national interest for the yacht to be replaced that would be of course another matter.' However, Nicolas Bevan, the official heading the working group set up to consider the future of the yacht, warned that the proposed remarks could be 'prejudicial' to any future decisions. 'For example to say that the royal yacht has been of inestimable value to this country will not be a helpful remark if ministers in due course decide not to replace Britannia,' Mr Bevan said. 'Equally it hardly rings true to suggest that it is a matter of complete indifference to the Queen as to whether Britannia is replaced or not.' 'No kind of rearguard action on the yacht' Despite the palace's protestations of neutrality, the files suggest courtiers were involved in what amounted to some none-too-subtle lobbying in favour of a new yacht. On May 13 1993, senior government officials, led by Sir Robin Butler, the cabinet secretary, were invited to a 'splendid lunch' on board Britannia where they were regaled by Sir High Bidwell, the former lord mayor of London, and the Earl of Limerick, a senior banker, on the value of the yacht to UK business. Expressing his thanks afterwards to Major General Sir Simon Cooper, the master of the Queen's household, Sir Robin noted that the setting had 'brought home the issues to those involved in a unique way'. However, when news of the meeting leaked out, government press officers were instructed to impress upon journalists that the Queen and royal family were 'not fighting any kind of rearguard action on the yacht'. Despite misgivings over the costs, the Major government finally announced in January 1997 that they would build a replacement yacht if they were returned to power in the general election later that year. The move was however widely interpreted as a desperate attempt to shore up support among wavering Tory voters, and when Labour was swept to power in a landslide they promptly reversed the decision. When Britannia was finally decommissioned, after returning the Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong, following the handover to China, the Queen was seen to shed a tear. In its 43 years of service, the yacht sailed over one million nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal family where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. The yacht is now retired and is berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, where it is open to visitors.
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Queen Elizabeth II's fashion to feature in exhibit
AFP The changing fashions of the late Queen Elizabeth are to go on show in a major exhibition next year at Buckingham Palace. There will be about 200 items, including dresses and jewellery, hats and shoes, in what is claimed as the biggest ever display of the late Queen's clothing. The exhibition, featuring items from her childhood through to the decades of her long reign, will coincide with the centenary of her birth. Among the items in Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will be her wedding dress, made in 1947 by the designer Sir Norman Hartnell. The exhibition opening at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace next Spring will chronicle Queen Elizabeth's life through the outfits she wore for public events and when off duty. The "archive" of clothes owned by the late Queen, who died at the age of 96 in 2022, is now in the care of the Royal Collection Trust, which announced the exhibition. One of the earliest surviving pieces from her wardrobe is a silver lamé and tulle bridesmaid dress, that she wore at the age of eight in 1934 at the wedding of her uncle the Duke of Kent. Clothes could also serve as a diplomatic message, such as a green and white gown made for a state banquet in Pakistan in 1961, with the dress incorporating the country's national colours. More relaxed, printed dresses showing the fashion trends of the 1970s will be part of the display, along with design sketches and handwritten correspondence about clothing choices. The late Queen's more everyday clothes will also be on show, including riding jackets, tartan skirts and headscarves. "In the year that she would have turned 100-years-old, this exhibition will be a celebration of Queen Elizabeth's uniquely British style and her enduring fashion legacy," said the exhibition's curator, Caroline de Guitaut. She said the display would use the fashions to "tell the story of a lifetime of thoughtful style choices - from her hands-on role and understanding of the soft power behind her clothing, to the exceptional craftsmanship behind each garment". ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST Sign up here to get the latest royal stories and analysis every week with our Royal Watch newsletter. Those outside the UK can sign up here. Discover royal fashion through time - and tech Hillsborough Castle gives glimpse into royal fashion UK Royal Family Buckingham Palace Queen Elizabeth II Fashion
Fox News
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's royal exit caused ‘unforgivable' pain in Queen Elizabeth's final years: expert
Queen Elizabeth II's final years were reportedly marked by sorrow after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their exit – and for the royals, this has been "unforgivable." The claim was made by British royals expert Hilary Fordwich, who alleged that the monarch had already been disheartened leading up to the couple's 2018 wedding. "It is unforgivable that Harry was the cause of much heartbreak for Queen Elizabeth II," Fordwich alleged. "All those around her knew of her sorrow and deep concern," she claimed "… This is the root of the massive rift between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family. The pain they caused in the queen's waning years can't ever be repaired… The family nor the nation will never forget it." Fordwich's claims came shortly after Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair's royal correspondent and author, recently wrote about her conversations with Lady Elizabeth Anson, a first cousin and close confidante of the late queen. Anson died in 2020 at age 79. Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace and Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment. It's understood that the claims being made cannot be verified. "Lady Elizabeth told me that the queen felt her once-close relationship with her grandson would never be the same again," Nicholl wrote. "'She couldn't understand how Harry, who had loved his military career and been devoted to duty, could change the way he did,' Lady Elizabeth told me back in 2020. 'It's so sad that at her age, having managed the most amazing reign, it has been sullied. He has hurt her beyond belief.'" According to Nicholl, Anson told her that the queen was allegedly "deeply disappointed and hurt" after Harry and Meghan made the decision to leave the U.K. The couple's final royal engagement was Commonwealth Day in March 2020, shortly before they left for California with their firstborn, Prince Archie. WATCH: PRINCE WILLIAM STRUGGLED WITH PRINCE HARRY'S EXIT, AUTHOR CLAIMS: 'A LOT OF ANGER AND HURT ON BOTH SIDES' "The queen had hoped that they would bring Archie over. She was very disappointed they didn't,'" Lady Elizabeth told me at the time," wrote Nicholl. "She was hurt when they left Britain, and how they left so suddenly." As a wedding present for the couple, the queen gave them Frogmore Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle to reside in. The property led to a garden where the monarch found "solitude and privacy." The queen reportedly told her cousin, "I hope they'll respect it." Fordwich claimed to Fox News Digital that for many close to the queen, the couple's royal exit, or "Megxit" as it was called by the press, was "one of the very darkest periods of her reign regarding family matters." "It has been said that she verbalized it was a 'complete catastrophe,'" Fordwich claimed. "She grew up under the shadow of her uncle's abdication and was hoping that, like his exile, the Sussexes would go on with their lives quietly. Her hopes were dashed. The queen expressed in letters logistical concerns [about] Harry. She saw it as 'paramount' that he was safe, expressing her belief that their security should remain a priority. But the final decision was out of her hands." According to Nicholl, problems between the queen and the Sussexes reportedly first came to light during the planning of the couple's wedding. Nicholl pointed out in her book, "The New Royals," that the queen was allegedly "surprised" that Meghan had chosen to wear white because she was a divorcée marrying for the second time. She claimed that the queen didn't think Meghan should have worn a veil. "… I was also told that the queen was upset during the planning of their wedding," Nicholl alleged. "Harry and Meghan were intent on doing things their way, even if it came to breaking with traditions." Anson told Nicholl that the queen had enlisted her to assist with the wedding plans. However, after meeting Meghan, Anson was allegedly told "her services were not required." Nicholl claimed that there were "many tears and tantrums behind the scenes," including the well-documented dispute surrounding how Meghan reportedly wanted to wear a certain tiara for her special day. Harry reportedly told the queen's dresser, Angela Kelly, that "what Meghan wants, Meghan gets." Nicholl noted that while Harry himself described tensions with Kelly in his 2023 memoir "Spare," he denied making that comment. Still, "the upset continued after the wedding," wrote Nicholl. "The deterioration of the queen and Harry's relationship, which was once distinctive due to their shared sense of humor, began just after Harry's engagement to Meghan Markle," Fordwich claimed. "While the queen made many concessions, she was astounded by their breaches of protocol. Those around her saw her become more guarded around Harry and Meghan." "I think one of the gravest charges that can be leveled at Harry and Meghan is that they made the queen's last years so difficult," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. "A variety of recent reports have indicated that there were strong differences between the queen and the duo over a variety of issues, especially those involving their wedding." "Queen Elizabeth would undoubtedly have been hurt by the change in Harry's behavior," said Fitzwilliams. "Having known him for so long, she would have expected him to be loyal to her. Her reported surprise over Meghan wearing white and disapproval that she wore a veil at her wedding would not have endeared her to the couple who wanted to do things their way." "After they stepped down from royal duties, they were careful never to criticize Queen Elizabeth personally, but trashed the institution she headed, knowing it was next to impossible for [the palace] to answer their charges directly," Fitzwilliams continued. "The irony is that the queen's dignified comment, 'some recollections may vary,' is what is best remembered." In April 2020, shortly before Anson's death that year, the noblewoman told Nicholl that the queen was said to be "sad" that she had only seen Archie "once or twice." "She was quite surprised to hear from Harry on Zoom," Anson told Nicholl. "It was all new to her, but it was the only way for her to see her great-grandson. She told me that Archie has red hair." British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard claimed to Fox News Digital that the queen was said to be "devastated" by the couple's departure from the House of Windsor. But despite her personal feelings, the queen, who adored Harry, was reportedly worried about her grandson's future. "I understand that a few things would have been hurtful," said Chard. "… Queen Elizabeth was very fond of her grandson Harry. They shared fun times and laughter. She was also aware of his vulnerabilities and simply wanted the best for him. "She… would have been well-aware of Meghan's influence over Harry. Initially, Queen Elizabeth felt Meghan was a breath of fresh air. However, her views changed very quickly when she realized that Meghan wasn't willing to play ball," Chard alleged. "I imagine this played on her mind hugely as she worked hard all her life to serve as monarch and preserve the monarchy," Chard said. "I can imagine she was heartbroken to see how much damage Meghan, along with Harry, were causing the British royal family." Nicholl wasn't the only author to get insight from Anson. Best-selling royal author Sally Bedell Smith, who was friends with Anson, previously made similar claims based on their past conversations on her Substack, Royals Extra. People magazine reported that a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's office declined to comment. Bedell Smith, author of "Elizabeth the Queen," claimed on her platform that the monarch was reportedly concerned about how Meghan, Prince William and Kate Middleton, "were not working well." "That is what the queen said, particularly about the two girls," Anson reportedly told Bedell Smith. Anson also remarked, "… The wedge between the brothers is really too bad," referencing the tensions between William and Harry. The Duke and Duchess stepped back as senior royals, citing the unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace. They moved to the wealthy, coastal city of Montecito. The queen, England's longest-reigning monarch, died in 2022 at age 96. Following their exit, the couple aired their grievances in interviews and documentaries. Harry's explosive memoir "Spare" worsened his relationship with the royal family. In May of this year, Harry told the BBC that his father wouldn't speak to him. Royal experts previously told Fox News Digital that Harry and William aren't on speaking terms. "I would love reconciliation with my family," Harry told the BBC. "There's no point in continuing to fight anymore."
The Independent
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
How Buckingham Palace lobbied government for a new royal yacht
Newly released official files reveal Buckingham Palace 's discreet attempts to influence the Conservative government's decision on replacing the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1993. Despite public claims of neutrality, senior courtiers privately urged Prime Minister John Major to issue a statement highlighting the yacht's "inestimable value" to secure support for a new £50 million vessel. Cabinet Office officials rejected this lobbying, warning such comments would be "highly prejudicial" and expressing scepticism about the Queen's asserted "indifference" to the yacht's future. The Palace's efforts included a "splendid lunch" on board Britannia for senior government officials, aimed at showcasing the yacht's value to UK business. Although the Major government eventually pledged a replacement if re-elected in 1997, the incoming Labour government reversed the decision, leading to Britannia's decommissioning and the Queen's visible emotion.
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Buckingham Palace to stage largest ever exhibition of Queen Elizabeth II's fashion to celebrate centenary of late monarch's birth
The largest ever exhibition of Queen Elizabeth II's fashion is to be staged at Buckingham Palace next year to mark the centenary of the late monarch's birth. Some 200 items worn during all ten decades of her life will be on public display, more than half for the first time. Among the key pieces will be a silver lame and tulle bridesmaid dress by Edward Molyneux worn by the eight-year-old Princess Elizabeth at the wedding of her uncle George, the Duke of Kent to Princess Marina of Greece in 1934. Her famous wedding and coronation gowns by Norman Hartnell will also feature, along with jewellery, hats, shoes, accessories, design sketches and fabric samples. The exhibition will show how she used fashion diplomatically, such as the white Hartnell gown designed for a 1961 state banquet in Karachi, which incorporated Pakistan 's national colours through a emerald-green pleat down the back. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will run from spring to autumn 2026. Tickets will go on sale in November.
