A new book by Valentine Low, ‘Power and the Palace,’ has ignited media attention with revelations about the British royal family’s private dealings with politics, offering insights from Queen Camilla’s personal experiences to the late Queen’s political leanings. The book, set for release on September 11, draws from the author’s tenure as a royal correspondent to expose behind-the-scenes anecdotes that blur the lines between monarchy and government.
One of the most poignant claims details Queen Camilla’s encounter with a sexual assault as a teenager in the 1960s. While traveling on a train to London, she defended herself by striking the attacker with her shoe heel, then promptly reported him to authorities upon arrival at Paddington station. This story, reportedly shared with Boris Johnson in 2008, resonates with her current advocacy against domestic violence, including visits to women’s refuges and public challenges to societal taboos.
The book also captures lighter moments, such as Michael Gove’s invitation for a late-night whisky with then-Prince Charles aboard the royal train in 2018. They shared a dram of Laphroaig, a peaty Scotch, while Charles’ preference for a modest breakfast of fruit and juice the next morning highlighted the informal yet structured nature of royal engagements. These interactions reveal the personal side of figures often seen only in formal settings.
Political tensions are a recurring theme, particularly the strained relationship between King Charles and Boris Johnson. Instances like Johnson’s tardiness due to a wrong turn on the London underground and subsequent disputes over policies such as the Rwanda asylum plan illustrate the friction. Camilla found humor in some situations, but the underlying discord persisted, affecting their dynamic during Johnson’s tenure.
A significant revelation concerns Queen Elizabeth II’s stance on Brexit, with sources indicating she was instinctively opposed to leaving the EU. Despite her public neutrality, she viewed the union as part of the post-war stability she supported, though she acknowledged frustrations with bureaucratic aspects. This insight adds depth to understanding her carefully guarded political opinions and her interactions with leaders from Harold Wilson to Margaret Thatcher.
Other notable anecdotes include the Queen’s personal phone call to Tony Blair congratulating him on the Good Friday Agreement, a rare gesture that underscored her engagement with pivotal moments. She also intervened to protect the Army’s School of Bagpipe Music from defense cuts, showcasing her attention to cultural and military traditions amidst broader political discussions.
The Coronation of King Charles III in 2023 is another focal point, with the government advocating for a lavish ceremony costing £72 million, including substantial policing expenses. Contrary to the Palace’s wariness about ostentation during economic hardship, officials insisted on a ‘maximalist’ approach to ensure a national spectacle, reflecting the state’s desire to project strength and continuity.
Financial negotiations are also detailed, revealing the Palace’s adeptness in securing increased public funding through the Sovereign Grant since 2012. By playing ‘hardball’ and maintaining ties to Crown Estate profits, the monarchy ensured resources for essential repairs, tripling real-term funding over time and demonstrating a shrewd approach to fiscal matters often overlooked by the public.
Overall, ‘Power and the Palace’ provides a nuanced portrait of the monarchy’s intricate dance with politics, blending personal stories with broader implications for royal influence and public perception. As publication approaches, these claims are likely to fuel discussions on transparency and the evolving role of the crown in modern society.
