The forthcoming book "Out" by Tim Shipman has stirred attention with its revelations about the late Queen Elizabeth II's candid views on political matters, particularly her inclinations towards former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
According to the book, Queen Elizabeth II humorously remarked on not having Boris Johnson organize her funeral after his resignation, highlighting her subtle knack for humor even towards the end of her life, The Telegraph reported.
In "Out," Shipman presents an intimate portrait of the Queen who balanced her royal duties with personal insights on political figures. The book reflects on an incident when Queen Elizabeth accepted Boris Johnson's resignation, which marked the beginning of Liz Truss's short tenure as the UK's prime minister. This formal duty became Queen Elizabeth II's last official act before her death.
The Queen is quoted humorously addressing Johnson's departure by saying, "At least I won’t have that idiot organizing my funeral now," during a family gathering at Balmoral. This event took place just two days before her passing, indicating her spirited engagement with current affairs until her last moments.
The remark seemed uncharacteristic for the Queen, known for her poise and decorum, sparking discussions among royal insiders and observers. The book cites sources who questioned the veracity of such a comment, stating that royal funerals are traditionally organized by the Earl Marshal, not the prime minister.
Further detailing the interactions between the Queen and Boris Johnson, the author suggests Johnson might have been "perhaps better suited to the stage," indicating the Queen's razor-sharp insight into the personalities of her political contemporaries.
Tim Shipman's narrative continues by painting the Queen’s final days as serene and content, filled with the company of her family and the closeness of her staff. These days contrasted with the undercurrent of frustration that lingered among the royals and courtiers regarding Johnson's policies, especially his controversial decision to prorogue Parliament in 2019.
This particular political step taken by Johnson had incited what Shipman describes as "undiluted fury" within the royal circles. Nonetheless, the Queen's reaction was reportedly more subdued, perceiving Johnson as more of a "roguish and comic figure" rather than a threat to the monarchy or governance.
These personal anecdotes also underscore the then-Prince of Wales, now King Charles III’s stark opposition towards the prorogation, reflecting a deeper chasm between the royal family and Johnson's administration than previously publicized.
Another contentious incident reported in the book involved Johnson advising King Charles against discussing slavery at a Commonwealth meeting. He warned the now King, "I wouldn’t talk about slavery if I were you, or you’ll end up having to sell the Duchy of Cornwall to pay reparations to the people who built the Duchy of Cornwall."
This interaction not only illustrates the strained dynamics between the former Prime Minister and the Royal Family but also highlights the political sensitivities often navigated by the monarchy in addressing historical injustices whilst maintaining diplomatic neutrality.
Despite attempts to verify the claims made in Shipman's book, Buckingham Palace and the palaces have abstained from commenting, adding an aura of mystery and perhaps credibility to these revelations as the public awaits the book’s release on November 21.
Such books, while controversial, offer the public a rare glimpse into the personal sentiments that percolate through the highest echelons of British royalty and governance. They reveal not only the weight of constitutional duties that rest upon these individuals but also their human responses to the pressures they face.
Ultimately, Queen Elizabeth II's legacy is portrayed as one marked by a blend of duty, dignity, and an irrepressible sense of humor, reminding us that behind the façade of sovereignty lies an individual as keenly perceptive and vibrantly spirited as any.
As the new monarchy under King Charles III continues to evolve, reflections on these past interactions and sentiments might serve as a bridge to understanding the personal and political nuances of the British royal family’s role in modern governance.
