In a startling revelation that lifts the veil on royal protocol, a new biography has exposed Queen Elizabeth II's genuine private sentiments about former Prime Minister Boris Johnson during his time in office.
A Monarch's Silent Disapproval
According to royal biographer Robert Hardman's forthcoming book, The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, the late Queen expressed significant concerns about Johnson's leadership style and conduct during critical moments of his premiership.
The biography reveals that Her Majesty was particularly troubled by the Partygate scandal that rocked Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdowns. While maintaining her constitutional neutrality in public, privately she questioned how Johnson's government could impose strict restrictions on the public while allegedly flouting them within his own office.
The Breaking Point
The situation reached its climax during the pandemic's most challenging period. The Queen, who had famously participated in the vaccinated Zoom call to reassure the nation, was reportedly dismayed by the contrast between her own careful adherence to protocols and the behaviour occurring at Number 10.
One particularly telling moment came when the monarch learned of lockdown gatherings in Downing Street while the rest of the country faced severe restrictions on seeing dying relatives and attending funerals. This apparent hypocrisy struck a deep chord with the conscientious monarch.
Constitutional Crisis Averted
Despite her personal feelings, the Queen maintained her constitutional duty of remaining above political fray. However, insiders suggest her patience was tested during what became one of the most turbulent periods of modern British politics.
The biography paints a picture of a monarch deeply committed to her role but increasingly concerned about the standards being set at the highest levels of government. Her legendary poker face, developed over seven decades of reign, concealed what sources describe as genuine frustration and disappointment.
A Legacy of Discretion
What makes these revelations particularly significant is the Queen's renowned discretion throughout her record-breaking reign. For such strong sentiments to emerge posthumously indicates the depth of her concern during Johnson's tumultuous time in office.
The book provides unprecedented insight into how the monarch navigated one of the most challenging political relationships of her later years, balancing constitutional duty with personal conviction until her passing in September 2022.
