GYLES BRANDRETH

What was the Queen REALLY like? From being 'anything but PC' and 'partial to a crafty cigarette', royal confidant GYLES BRANDRETH answers the question everyone ...

The Queen expressed her anguish in a press release and dispatched Prince Philip and Lord Snowdon to the scene. There was negotiation — a bit of give and take on either side — but ultimately, the government of the day called the shots. She knew the presidents and prime ministers of the Commonwealth personally. Nor was the Queen self-conscious: she would apply her lipstick whoever was watching. It will not then be enough for her to go through the motions; she will have to say things which people can remember and do things on her own initiative which will make people sit up and take notice. From all the people I have spoken with who were close to the Queen — courtiers, friends and family members — I get the impression that she was not judgmental when it came to others. But although she was Queen, she did not lay down the law. Was the Queen a prude? She is more than head of state: she is at the heart of our national identity — and for a reason. She was a dutiful daughter and a dutiful Queen. She would much rather have lived in the country with horses and dogs and been a normal housewife.' At 8am, Her Majesty's dresser entered the royal bedroom with the 'calling tray' and a pot of Earl Grey tea.