A fascinating insight into the late Queen Elizabeth II's fierce loyalty to her family has been revealed, showcasing a monarch who placed principle above protocol.
The Queen made the extraordinary decision to withdraw from a high-profile engagement at Heathrow Airport, refusing to open its new £35 million Terminal 2 in 2014. This royal snub was a direct response to an incident involving her nephew, Lord Frederick Windsor.
A Matter of Principle
The controversy began when Lord Frederick, the son of the Queen's first cousin Prince Michael of Kent, was stopped from boarding a British Airways flight. He was travelling to Austria for a skiing holiday and had attempted to check in two legally-owned firearms—a rifle and a shotgun—for sporting purposes.
Despite having the correct permits, airport staff refused to allow the firearms on the aircraft. The situation escalated, resulting in Lord Frederick and his family missing their flight.
The Monarch's Response
Upon learning of the incident, the Queen's reaction was swift and decisive. Buckingham Palace officials informed Heathrow's then-CEO, John Holland-Kaye, that Her Majesty would no longer be attending the planned opening ceremony for the terminal, famously named 'The Queen's Terminal'.
The move sent shockwaves through the airport's management and was seen as a powerful demonstration of the monarch's support for her family. Instead, the duty fell to Prince William, who opened the terminal several months later without his grandmother.
Behind the Security Standoff
The heart of the dispute lay in the interpretation of security protocols. A source close to the Windsor family stated that Lord Frederick had "jumped through every hoop" and was fully compliant with all UK firearm regulations.
Heathrow, however, maintained that its staff had followed strict procedures designed to ensure the safety and security of all passengers. The incident highlights the complex intersection of stringent airport security measures and the rights of lawful firearm owners.
This remarkable story paints a portrait of a sovereign for whom family loyalty was paramount, even when it meant cancelling a significant public duty. It remains a testament to Queen Elizabeth II's character and her unwavering support for her relatives behind the scenes.
