For many decades now, Prince Charles has been the topic of much speculation. There are certain things that we have no way of confirming, of course. It is hard to ascertain whether he was the person who said that stuff about Archie, for one thing. At any rate, he is going to take over as the monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in the future. This is going to be a period of change for the entire royal family and even the country. However, what will this inevitable turn of events mean for his children and the other members of the family?
What Will Happen To William, Kate, And Harry When Prince Charles Ascends The Throne?
First In Line For The Throne
It is obvious that Prince William will be the first in line for the throne once Prince Charles becomes king. The older man knows all about this role. In 1948, the Prince of Wales joined the line of succession from the moment he was born. After all, he is the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
First In Line For The Throne
His Pursuits In Life
Mind you, Prince Charles is not at all an intellectual slouch. It will be handy when his reign eventually comes. He has a degree from the University of Cambridge. But it is true that royal family connections might have helped him get a spot in the prestigious institution. Aside from that, he also went to the Royal Air Force College and Royal Naval College. His background has prepared him well for the throne.
His Pursuits In Life
His Service In The Royal Navy
Prior to the birth of his sons, Prince Charles did a tour during his time in the Royal Navy. He has also been very active with charity work since then. Among other things, he is attached to The Prince’s Trust. It is an organization that helps both kids and adults who have a hard time at school or are unemployed. This is an admirable thing to do, although the Oprah interview has made the public turn on him…
His Service In The Royal Navy
The Talk Of The Town
Even though he has done plenty of good deeds in the past, people primarily talk about him in relation to his private life. Royal fans know a lot about his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles. The two of them have a long history together. They might be married now, but there are reports that the relationship had been going on when he was still wed to Lady Diana Spencer. There are also claims that the love of his life is not a suitable bride.
The Talk Of The Town
It Had Been A Rocky Union
In 1981, Prince Charles and Diana Spencer tied the knot. It had been a rocky marriage, but we are sure that they were proud parents. Not even a year after their royal wedding at St. Paul’s Cathedral, she delivered their first child. Prince William was then followed by Prince Harry on September 15th, 1984.
It Had Been A Rocky Union
As Their Sons Grew Up
As their two sons grew up, Princess Diana made sure to give them some sense of normalcy in their lives. She taught them to be aware of their privilege as well. She would take them to school on her own and went to theme parks with them. Of course, it was not as if the boys did not have royal duties too. Their mother brought the two boys to her royal engagements. One of those was a visit to a homeless shelter.
As Their Sons Grew Up
They Had Tons Of Marital Issues
It did not take long before rumors about their marital issues surfaced. In fact, it felt inevitable that Prince Charles and Princess Diana would break up. In 1992, the two of them parted ways. This marked the beginning of all kinds of scandals. Prince Harry might have learned that it is all right to air your dirty laundry in the public eye because of this. For one, his dad has since admitted to his affair with Camilla.
They Had Tons Of Marital Issues
She Had Her Own Affairs
For her part, Princess Diana was not a saint either. One of her most popular rumors had to do with James Hewitt of the British Army. Even until now, the grapevine claims that he is the true father of Prince Harry. This is not likely at all, as he had already been born with the relationship started.
She Had Her Own Affairs
The Death Of The People’s Princess
In 1997, the world was taken by surprise by the tragedy that claimed her life. It left Prince William and Prince Harry without a mom. She passed away in a car crash in Paris on August 31st, 1997. Prince Charles went to France to bring her body back to the United Kingdom even though they were already divorced.
The Death Of The People’s Princess
It Was Hard For The Royal Family
The nation got ready to say goodbye to Princess Diana. There is no doubt that this was rough for the two boys. There was a lot of grief not just in the United Kingdom but also across the globe. In the end, Prince Charles received a lot of backlash for the accident. They said that she would not have been in France at all if the divorce did not take place.
It Was Hard For The Royal Family
Not Until Two Years Later
For a while, Prince Charles stayed out of the limelight. For two years after the death of his former wife, he was not seen in public with anyone. In 1999, however, Camilla joined him at a birthday celebration at the Ritz hotel in London. In February 2005, the couple confirmed that they were engaged. Two months later, they got married in a civil ceremony. Later on, she received the Duchess of Cornwall title.
Not Until Two Years Later
More To Him Than That
There is more to Prince Charles than his love life. He has carried out various royal duties in the past years. He has also launched charities with a focus on youth, education, and the environment. The royal is actually a pretty dedicated environmentalist. On top of that, he has an interest in architecture as well.
More To Him Than That
If It Had Not Been For This
Prince Charles would not even be first in line for the truth if it had not been for a big scandal a long time ago. In 1936, Edward VIII ascended the throne as the first son of King George V. However, the problem was that he was head over heels in love with Wallis Simpson, who was an American divorcee.
If It Had Not Been For This
Not Suitable As A Queen
Neither the British government nor the Church approved of the relationship between King George V and Wallis Simpson. They did not find a divorcee to be a suitable bride for the reigning monarch. This is why he made the call to abdicate the throne. It happened not even an entire year after he started his rule.
Not Suitable As A Queen
How The Throne Went To George VI
In those days, he explained, “I have found it impossible to carry on the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge the duties of king, as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love.” Because of his decision, his younger brother became the king instead. This marked the beginning of the reign of King George VI. Edward, on the other hand, got married to Wallis Simpson a year later.
How The Throne Went To George VI
It Continues To Haunt The Royals
It might have been a long time ago, but the scandal still looms over the monarchy. We can see why they treat the idea of divorce with a lot of care. In 2005, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles finally became man and wife. Let us keep in mind that they had both been married in the past. This is why the Queen did not go to the religious part of their wedding ceremony.
It Continues To Haunt The Royals
A Missing Presence At The Wedding
We are sure that the Queen would rather have been there. After all, her eldest child was about to marry once more. It was said that she did not want to be seen as putting him over the beliefs of the Church of England. Divorce has become less of a taboo. Not as many people frown on it as much as there used to be. Despite this, let us just say that the church does not exactly recommend it either.
A Missing Presence At The Wedding
Her Duty Above Everything Else
In 2005, a “friend of the Queen” told The Daily Telegraph what Her Royal Highness allegedly said: “I am not able to go. I do not feel that my position permits it.” It was said that she referred to her position with the church. The insider claimed, “The Queen feels she has to put her role with the Church before her role as a mother.” Duty above all else.
Her Duty Above Everything Else
A Similar Issue Came Up
In 2018, a similar issue cropped up when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got ready to walk down the aisle. She used to be married to film producer Trevor Engelson. Before the royal wedding, people were eager to see if the Queen would be at the ceremony. Many were relieved to see her in attendance. However, we now want to know how she feels about the union after everything that has happened.
A Similar Issue Came Up
It Has Been A While Since Then
Grant Harrold, a royal butler, shared this with the Daily Express as the royal wedding approached: “Prince Charles’ wedding was 13 years ago, [and] times have changed. It could be a change of heart… You have the unfortunate Edward and Wallace Simpson episode, and 70 years later nobody blinks an eyelid.” In essence, it has been a long time since Edward abdicated the throne. Since then, both society in general and the royal family have adapted to our modern standards.
It Has Been A While Since Then
How She Ascended The Throne
If you do not know your history, King George VI was the father of Queen Elizabeth II. When he took over the monarchy, the current queen was only ten years old. Margaret, her younger sister, was only six years old. As the eldest child, Elizabeth was the heir apparent. She was 25 years old when she ascended the throne upon the death of her father.
How She Ascended The Throne
She Did Not See It Coming
It looks like this turn of events took her by surprise. While the king had already been struggling with his health in those days, she did not expect him to die then. You see, she and Prince Philip had both been in Kenya at the time of his death. They stayed at the Treetops Hotel in Aberdare National Park back then.
She Did Not See It Coming
Talking About Her Father
Time said that Elizabeth was “in high spirits over her ‘tremendous experience’ and vowed to come again soon with her father.” On top of that, she allegedly said that her father was going to “love it.” This just makes it even more tragic. A reporter for the BBC said that she had been “talking about her father and proudly describing how bravely he’d stood up to his illness” earlier that day.
Talking About Her Father
Her Son Was First In Line
At any rate, Elizabeth ascended the throne. When she became the queen, her son Charles became the first in line to the throne. Back then, he was three years old. Queen Elizabeth is now the longest-reigning ruler in the history of the British monarch. Charles, on the other hand, is the longest-serving heir.
Her Son Was First In Line
He Has Also Broken Records
In November 2018, Prince Charles celebrated his 70th birthday. This also made people realize that he is the oldest heir apparent in history. Once he finally becomes the king, he is going to be the oldest monarch in the royal family history. That distinction used to go to William IV. He had been almost 65 years old by the time that he took over the throne in 1830.
He Has Also Broken Records
Speculation That He Will Abdicate
We can see why there is speculation that Prince Charles would abdicate and hand the throne over to Prince William instead. It looks like this is a popular idea among members of the British public. According to a survey by StatistaCharts, nearly half of Britons would rather see Prince William as the monarch instead of his father. We wonder if this figure has gone up after the interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Speculation That He Will Abdicate
How His Ex Felt About This
It is said that Princess Diana had conflicted feelings about the idea of Prince Charles become the king. This is not shocking as the divorce had not been at all pleasant. In 1995, she discussed the matter on a BBC show called Panorama. Princess Diana received an interesting question from Martin Bashir. “Do you think the Prince of Wales will ever be king?” the journalist asked her.
How His Ex Felt About This
It Is A Demanding Role
“I don’t think any of us know the answer to that.” Princess Diana said. She added, “There was always conflict on that subject with [Charles] when we discussed it, and I understood that conflict. Because it’s a very demanding role, being Prince of Wales, but it’s an equally more demanding role being king.”
It Is A Demanding Role
How Well He Would Adapt
It was more telling when she said, “Being Prince of Wales produces more freedom now, and being king would be a little bit more suffocating. And because I know the character, I would think that the top job, as I call it, would bring enormous limitations to him – and I don’t know whether he could adapt to that.”
How Well He Would Adapt
No Plans As Far As We Know
At the moment, Prince Charles has not expressed any intention to abdicate once it is his turn to be king. It looks like the Queen is also preparing him for his future duties as the monarch by giving him certain responsibilities. For one thing, he has previously placed the Remembrance Day wreath instead of her.
No Plans As Far As We Know
Operation London Bridge
It is hard to imagine having any other monarch but the Queen. However, there is no need to worry as there is a detailed plan for this eventuality. There is allegedly a plan called Operation London Bridge. News of her eventual death will spread among civil servants through this code: “London Bride is down.”
Operation London Bridge
What Will Happen Then
In 2017, The Guardian ran a report that said that the national public service broadcaster BBC is going to learn about the news through the RATS system. This stands for Radio Alert Transmission System. However, there are people who say that it is unofficial shorthand for “royal about to snuff it” instead.
What Will Happen Then
How Word Will Get Out
What happens next? Well, the private secretary of the queen Sir Christopher Geidt will let the prime minister know of the news before it is announced to the public. The PM then has to inform the 36 members of the Commonwealth, as well as the 16 countries where she is the figurehead. Once the word is out, the pilots need to inform passengers on flights as well. Certain flags will be raised at half-mast.
How Word Will Get Out
A Period Of Mourning
In the United Kingdom, working people will receive the rest of the day off. Stock exchanges and banks are probably going to stay closed on the day of the burial in a show of respect to the monarch. When George VI died, the BBC stopped showing any kind of comedy on TV until the end of the funeral.
A Period Of Mourning
Giving The Public A Chance To Mourn
Before the real funeral, however, the body is going to stay at Westminster Hall for a few days. This is an opportunity for the public to grieve. After this, she will likely be interred at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Chapel. This is also where both of her parents were buried. There is a good chance that the government will turn the funeral and the coronation into public holidays as well.
Giving The Public A Chance To Mourn
Who Will Take Over The Throne
Charles is going to be the king right away. He will probably release a statement on the day of her death. He has to choose which of his given names to use during his reign. The choices include Philip, Arthur, and George. He can also go with King Charles III, while his wife might be called Queen Camilla.
Who Will Take Over The Throne
The Title For His Second Wife
The title held by Camilla has always been a topic of debate for the longest time. In 2017, Sally Bedell Smith told People about what it was like to pick a suitable honor for her. The biographer of Prince Charles said, “It was obviously fudged when [Charles and Camilla] got married. Diana was so uppermost in many people’s minds. So, they concocted the notion of a Princess Consort, which is made up.”
The Title For His Second Wife
They Work Hard To Accept Her
“[The royal family] obviously have worked very hard to have [Camilla] accepted, and she has been accepted. If she were anything less than Queen Consort [when Charles is king], it would imply inferiority on her part…” explained Bedell Smith. She added, “Most of the constitutional experts agree that by common law and tradition, [Camilla] is entitled to be queen.”
They Work Hard To Accept Her
Not The Only Person Affected By It
Prince Charles is not going to be the only person affected by the news. When George VI died, Elizabeth took over the throne. Charles, on the other hand, received the title of the Duke of Cornwall. Since then, he has earned other titles such as the Duke of Rothesay, the Earl of Carrick, the Earl of Chester, the Great Stewart of Scotland, the Lord of the Isles, and the Baron of Renfrew. What about William?
Not The Only Person Affected By It
The Titles He Now Holds
While Prince Charles earned most of those titles upon the coronation of his mother, it is not true for each and every single one of them. Since 1301, there has been a Prince of Wales. No matter how many people have since received that title, this is not handed out to the heirs of the monarch automatically.
The Titles He Now Holds
For The Male Heirs Only
In reality, this is a title that they reserve for the male heirs to the British monarch. This meant that during the rule of George VI, there had been no Prince of Wales. After all, he did not have a son, only daughters. Six years into the rule of Queen Elizabeth II, she gave her eldest son the title.
For The Male Heirs Only
From The Duchy Of Cornwall
As the Duke of Cornwall, Prince Charles gets an allowance of sorts courtesy of the Duchy of Cornwall. In the 14th century, the territory was made by Edward III. This covers a span of 131,000 acres of properties and land, which is all quite impressive. On top of this, the duchy also has its own investment portfolio.
From The Duchy Of Cornwall
For His Public And Private Enterprises
Prince Charles receives a budget from the duchy to pay for his different private and public enterprises. Among other things, his charities would fall under these. He can also use the fund to lend a hand to his close family members. We are pretty much referring to his own kids and grandchildren by saying that.
For His Public And Private Enterprises
The Duchy Of Lancaster
There is also the Duchy of Lancaster, which is likewise composed of properties and land. This one belongs to Her Royal Highness. She gets money from the Sovereign Grant of the British government as well. We are not all surprised to hear that there are going to be big changes in the family and the titles upon the death of the Queen.
The Duchy Of Lancaster
It Will Happen Right Away
Just so you know, there is no need to wait before these changes take place. For one thing, the children of Prince Charles used to be known as Princes William and Henry of Wales. Yep, Harry was actually born Henry. Now that the two men are married, they were given a new set of titles.
It Will Happen Right Away
When The Princes Got Married
In 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot. They went on to be the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. On the other hand, their kids are called Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis of Cambridge. The titles for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
When The Princes Got Married
The Children Of The Sussexes
The world was enamored when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had a baby boy. Born Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, he will be followed by a little girl very soon. Regardless of what might have been suggested in the past, the children of the Sussexes are not likely to ascend the throne. After all, there is a 1917 decree issued by King George V, the grandfather of the Queen, that would get in the way of this.
The Children Of The Sussexes
Only Those In The Direct Line
To be specific, the proclamation said, “The grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of Dukes of these Our Realms.” In essence, you are not considered a prince unless you are a part of the direct line to the throne.
Only Those In The Direct Line
It Is Not Just For Male Heirs
The “male” bit of this ruling has changed a bit over the years. Prior to the birth of Prince George, the government of the United Kingdom took on “absolute primogeniture.” This means that the first-born child of the heir can ascend the throne no matter the gender. An older girl is always going to be ahead in line of a younger boy. This must have been done in the name of gender equality.
It Is Not Just For Male Heirs
The Official Title Of Their Son
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to reject any royal titles for their son. At the very least, this is the case while he is young. Archie could have become the Earl of Dumbarton, which is a title that is held by his father in Scotland. However, they insisted that he will just be called “Master Archie” for now.
The Official Title Of Their Son
They Will All Move Up The Succession
These things might change upon the eventual death of the Queen. Once that happens, everyone in the line of succession will move up. Charles is going to be the king, and Prince William will turn into the direct heir. As the grandchild of the reigning monarch, Archie is entitled to the “Prince” title if he wants it.
They Will All Move Up The Succession
Not Likely That He Will Get Another Title
Is Prince Harry going to get a new title once his father ascends the throne? This does not seem likely. It is possible if Prince Charles hands him a new dukedom, which is indeed possible. However, there is a good chance that he will simply stay the Duke of Sussex, with his wife Megan as the Duchess of Sussex.
Not Likely That He Will Get Another Title
There Is More To It Than That
Do you find that all confusing? Well, this is not the end of it by far. At the moment, William is also the Baron Carrickfergus and Earl of Strathearn. When his father becomes the ruling monarch, the younger man will take on new duties and responsibilities. And yes, these come with changes in titles as well.
There Is More To It Than That
He Will Inherit The Duchy Of Cornwall
As the first in line to the throne when Prince Charles becomes king, Prince William is going to earn the title of Duke of Cornwall. As a matter of fact, he has already started to attend duchy meetings. Together with Kate, the two of them will likely be called the Prince and Princess of Wale too.
He Will Inherit The Duchy Of Cornwall
The Plans For This Transition
In 2018, Charlie Proctor of Royal Central shared that plans are underway for the transition. When he spoke to the Daily Star, he said, “As per tradition, when Prince Charles does take to the throne, William and Kate will become the Prince and Princess of Wales, meaning he will take on additional duties to assist the monarch.” He added, “Just like Prince Charles is preparing to become king, William is already preparing to become Prince of Wales ready for the duties and responsibilities he will have to take on.”
The Plans For This Transition
Grooming Him For The Position
“I think it is important to say that just like his father, William is also preparing to become king. There is no chance that William will be Prince of Wales for more than 60 years,” Proctor went on. “As such, he must also learn the ropes because his time on the throne may come sooner rather than later.”
Grooming Him For The Position
She Knows That He Can Handle It
It has always been clear that the Queen is of the belief that Prince Charles can adeptly take on the duties of the reigning monarch. She said as much when she hosted a celebration for his 70th birthday. When it was time to make a toast for him, Her Royal Highness said, “Over his 70 years, Philip and I have seen Charles become a champion of conservation and the arts, a great charitable leader – a dedicated and respected heir to the throne to stand comparison with any in history – and a wonderful father.”
She Knows That He Can Handle It
Thanks To His Second Wife
Queen Elizabeth II made sure to mention his current wife as well. “Most of all, sustained by his wife, Camilla, he is his own man, passionate and creative. So this toast is to wish a happy birthday to my son, in every respect a duchy original. To you Charles. To the Prince of Wales,” Her Majesty said.
Thanks To His Second Wife
His Reign Will Not Be Long
Despite this, let us bear in mind that Prince Charles is more than 70 years old now. It is pretty much a given that he will not be the ruler for a very long period of time. As Prince William gets ready to take over the throne, he will also groom Prince George to do the same thing in the future. Even though the little boy allegedly does not know his position in the succession just yet, it is only a matter of time.
His Reign Will Not Be Long
Whether He Will Be King At All
There is also a camp of people who do not think that Prince Charles will be the monarch no matter what happens in the future. In 2018, a royal butler by the name of Paul Burrell shared with Now to Love, “We will never see King Charles and Queen Camilla sat on the throne of England.”
Whether He Will Be King At All
Too Old For The Position
What makes him say such a thing? “Because when the Queen dies, she’ll be 100-and-something; she will never abdicate. When she dies, I think Charles will do the right thing and say, ‘I’m far too old for this responsibility,’” Burrell explained his reasoning. This is an interesting theory, but the only way to find out is to wait.
Too Old For The Position
The Desire To Be The Monarch
There is another problem at play here. This is the suggestion that some of the royal family members do not want to rule. At the very least, they do not want to take over until they have first lived their lives. This makes sense, in a way. In a book called “Charles, Prince of Wales,” Gill Knappett said that Prince William would rather not “climb the ladder of kingship” until he is older.
The Desire To Be The Monarch
How The Royals Feel About It
Prince Harry has said things that seem to support this. He said that many of his relatives do not want to be king or queen. “We are involved in modernizing the British monarchy. We are not doing this for ourselves but for the greater good of the people,” the Duke of Sussex shared with Newsweek in an interview in 2017. He went on, “Is there any one of the royal family who wants to be king or queen? I don’t think so, but we will carry out our duties at the right time.”
How The Royals Feel About It
It Is A Duty And Not A Privilege
In the end, Queen Elizabeth II does not see her position as a privilege but a duty. There is a good chance that she does not plan to abdicate the throne at all. In 1947, she has said as much during the speech she delivered on her 21st birthday. She was still just a princess at the time. “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service,” she said back then.
It Is A Duty And Not A Privilege
An Ordinary Child
There was once a time however when Elizabeth was young, that she acted in a way that any other ordinary kid would! To be fair, a colossal world event had just occurred, who can blame her? There was one particular night that the Queen snuck out and saw London as a regular citizen! How did Elizabeth find her ‘day trip’? Find out now!
The Two Young Princesses
Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret snuck out of Buckingham Palace together when they were young. This was the first opportunity she had to interact with members of the general population. She was just like any other carefree teen in the world at the moment. We understand how difficult it is to think that such a thing could happen, but a specific occurrence prompted the future ruler to act in this manner.
The Two Young Princesses
The Times Have Changed Since Then
Many things have changed since then. To be fair, the Queen does interact with the public on a regular basis. Since her accession to the throne, Elizabeth has made a concerted effort to engage with her constituents in the United Kingdom and abroad. Her interactions, however, are always regulated.
The Times Have Changed Since Then
Not As Much As She Used To
It’s understandable that Her Majesty, being in her nineties, doesn’t go out as frequently as she used to. In reality, the majority of people now view her on a screen. To mark the 75th anniversary of V-Day in Europe, Queen Elizabeth spoke to the people in 2020. She also gives a speech on Christmas Day.
Not As Much As She Used To
Her Social Calendar Is Always Busy
There are a few occasions on her social calendar that she always attends. For one thing, Queen Elizabeth attends Royal Ascot and other horse-related events frequently. She is a huge horse enthusiast, in case you didn’t know. Another of the Queen’s favorite events is the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Her Royal Highness is said to have attended the ceremony every year since 1943, according to sources. Wow.
Her Social Calendar Is Always Busy
The Public Events That She Attends
The Queen attends a large number of public events in a single year. She meets with a wide range of people, including students, workers, scientists, politicians, teachers, heads of state, and everyone in between. When you are the reigning monarch, you certainly have a lot on your plate. We’re confident she’s gotten used to it by now. After all, she has been the monarchy’s leader for about 70 years at this point.
The Public Events That She Attends
Her Royal Garden Parties
Garden Parties are also hosted by Her Royal Highness. According to the royal family’s official website, this entails sending invites to nearly 30,000 people and offering sandwiches and tea to them on the grounds of Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland. This is an opportunity for Queen Elizabeth II to express her gratitude to public personnel.
Her Royal Garden Parties
A Lot Of Funny Stories
It’s only logical that the Queen would have a lot of funny stories about her encounters with the common populace after being in power for so long. A former protection officer named Richard Griffin, for example, told a particularly amusing incident. He described how a group of American visitors approached Her Majesty near her Balmoral, Scotland, home. Her true identity was reportedly unknown to the group because she was wearing a basic headscarf at the time.
A Lot Of Funny Stories
When Asked If She Knew The Queen
In 2016, Richard Griffin shared this amusing story. “Have you ever met the Queen?” the group of American visitors asked Queen Elizabeth II, according to the New York Times. Her Majesty simply responded with a “No.” “But he has,” she told them, motioning to her old protection officer.
When Asked If She Knew The Queen
A Man Once Snuck Into Her Room
Have you heard about the time a man broke into her Buckingham Palace bedchamber? Michael Fagan is alleged to have woken her up and had a ten-minute conversation with the Queen. She attempted a few times to contact security, to little success. It was fortunate that she was eventually rescued by a royal worker not long after he had broken in. In the fourth season of The Crown, this incident was reenacted.
A Man Once Snuck Into Her Room
It Was Not Always Like This
Even though her interactions with the general public are now very guarded, it was not always this way. As a matter of fact, there was a night that she spent fraternizing with civilians and military personnel as they celebrated on the streets of London. This was when she was not yet the Queen but just a princess. We know that it sounds made-up, but this truly happened a long time ago.
It Was Not Always Like This
When The War Came To A Close
In Europe, the Second World War came to an end in May 1945. This was a historic event of near-unparalleled proportions. After all, by that time, the continent had been at war for six years. British men and women took to the streets to celebrate the Axis countries’ long-awaited defeat. During these celebrations, military mixed with civilians to commemorate the end of the war.
When The War Came To A Close
She Served In The War Too
You may already be aware that Elizabeth contributed to the war effort. She joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a second subaltern and rose through the ranks to junior commander. Her demeanor reflected that of the entire family. Her mother allegedly refused orders to leave when World War II broke out in 1939. The Insider reported, “The children won’t go without me. I won’t leave without the King. And the King will never leave.”
She Served In The War Too
Where They Were During The War
Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were stranded in Windsor Castle for the duration of the war. Aside from it, their parents were frequent visitors to London’s Buckingham Palace. According to the Royal Collection Trust, the latter was bombarded at least nine times during the war. In an Evening Standard article, the Queen Mother was reported as having said, “I’m glad we’ve been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the east end in the face.” At the time, she had been referring to the German attacks on eastern London during the Blitz.
Where They Were During The War
As An Act Of Solidarity
The royal family’s demonstrations of solidarity were well received by the public at the time. They appreciated the fact that Princess Elizabeth joined the ATS when she was 18 years old, among other things. This was a female-only division of the British Army. She is still the only female member of the British royal family to have served in the military.
As An Act Of Solidarity
What She Did In The Military
During the war, Elizabeth worked as a truck driver and acquired mechanic training. She may not have experienced actual combat, but those roles came with their own set of perils. According to the BBC, the ATS had 210,308 women serving at its peak. During the fight, 335 of them died. Apart than the Queen, Winston Churchill’s younger daughter also served. Mary Churchill was her name.
What She Did In The Military