Prince Philip, the late husband of Queen Elizabeth II, reportedly used a clever method to persuade his mother-in-law, the Queen Mother, to vacate her apartments in Buckingham Palace. According to historians, he turned off the central heating in her rooms in an attempt to "freeze her out" as part of his efforts to modernise the royal household.
Historians Reveal the Tension
In a 2021 Channel 4 documentary titled Queen Elizabeth: Love, Honour and Crown, historian Professor Kate Williams explained the dynamic between the Queen Mother and Prince Philip. "The Queen Mother wants Elizabeth's monarchy to be exactly the same as George VI. Philip wants things to change. So this battle between the Queen Mother and Philip, between the past and the future, begins. And Elizabeth is torn between them," she said.
Historian Professor Jane Ridley added: "The Queen Mother will not move, and Philip becomes exasperated by this. There is a story that, in the end, Philip has to resort to turning off the central heating in the Queen Mother's apartments. He tries to freeze her out of Buckingham Palace."
Modernisation Efforts Met with Resistance
Prince Philip's push for reform extended beyond the Queen Mother's living arrangements. Author Sarah Gristwood noted on the same programme: "He set about reforming some of the more arcane practices in Buckingham Palace. Like the powdering of footmen's wigs. Like sending a message verbally from one part of the giant Palace to another, rather than picking up a house phone."
Historian Dr Piers Brendon provided insight into Philip's motivations: "[Philip] wanted to modernise the monarchy. This is the strange thing. He may seem a crusty old reactionary now, but at the time, he seemed to be very much a modern man."
Obstacles at Every Turn
Ingrid Seward, Editor-in-Chief of Majesty Magazine, highlighted the challenges Philip faced. "Every time he tried to do something, there was a problem put in his way," she said.
The Queen Mother, who had lived in the palace since the 1930s, was reluctant to leave. Her resistance was part of a broader struggle between tradition and change within the royal family.
Current Royal Residences
This week, it was revealed that King Charles and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace after the £369 million refurbishment is completed next year. Instead, they will remain at Clarence House. A palace spokesperson stated: "His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life. It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way."
The decision was partly driven by a desire to increase public access to the palace, as security concerns would limit visits if the King were in residence.
