A royal Christmas
Queen Elizabeth II cherished her Christmas and New Year traditions, spending these holidays at Sandringham House in the east of England. This ritual, which she maintained for many years dating back to the 1980s, was a testament to her love for tradition. Sandringham, with its rich history and personal significance, provided the perfect backdrop for the Queen to celebrate these festive occasions with her family.
Staying there until February before returning to Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s prolonged residence at Sandringham during this time of year became a well-established royal custom, symbolizing the continuity and stability of the monarchy.
The end of the festivities
The Queen embraced the festive spirit wholeheartedly, engaging in the tradition of decorating for the season. Christmas trees and decorations were an integral part of the royal holiday celebrations. However, contrary to the widespread belief that decorations should be taken down by Twelfth Night to avoid bad luck, the royal tradition at Sandringham deviated from this practice.
In the royal household, the decorations remained in place beyond the conventional period, reflecting the Queen’s personal preferences and the unique customs of the royal family.
A Christmas Day church service
Christmas Day traditions for the royal family included attending the Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene Church, located near the Sandringham estate. This tradition of attending church on Christmas Day was a longstanding one, with historical roots going back to Queen Victoria’s time in the 19th century.
The royal family’s presence at the church service was a customary part of their Christmas celebrations, exemplifying their commitment to their faith and their connection to the local community.
A family occasion
In recent years, such as in 2019, new elements were added to the Sandringham Christmas traditions. Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the children of Prince William, participated in the Christmas walk with the family, marking their growing involvement in royal traditions. However, Prince Louis, still an infant at the time, did not join the church visit.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent that year in Canada, shortly before their decision to step back from their roles as working members of the royal family, illustrating the evolving dynamics within the royal family.
A royal family tree
The Christmas tree at Sandringham was part of a tradition that dated back to the 18th century, initiated by Queen Charlotte, the consort of King George III. Before Queen Charlotte’s introduction of the Christmas tree to the British royal family, the custom was not widely practiced in Britain.
Queen Victoria, Queen Charlotte’s granddaughter, also cherished the Christmas tree tradition, continuing to celebrate it during her reign, thereby cementing the practice as a staple of British Christmas celebrations.
Prince Albert brings Christmas to Britain
While the Christmas tree tradition was new to Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a common practice in many parts of northern Europe. The popularity of Christmas trees in Britain grew significantly after Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, who was of German descent.
Newspaper advertisements and literature from the 1840s began to reference the beauty and German origins of Christmas trees, signaling their growing acceptance and popularity in British culture.
Gifts for the whole family
Christmas is a time of gift-giving, and the royal family embraced this tradition with enthusiasm. On Christmas Eve, members of the royal family would lay out their gifts on tables, exchanging them over tea. Among these exchanges were humorous and light-hearted presents.
For instance, the Queen once received a whimsically inscribed shower cap, while a young Prince Harry was gifted a “grow your own girlfriend” kit, reflecting the family’s sense of humor and the lighter side of their holiday celebrations.
A card from the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II also maintained the tradition of sending out Christmas cards each year. These cards, featuring a photograph of the royal family, were sent to a wide circle of 750 recipients, including family, friends, and political figures across the Commonwealth.
Each card was personally signed by the Queen and bore her cipher, ensuring recipients knew exactly who had sent them. This practice reflected the Queen’s commitment to maintaining personal connections and her role as a unifying figure within the Commonwealth.
A Christmas pudding
The Queen’s Christmas generosity extended beyond her family and close associates. She made a point of giving gifts to the entire staff of the Royal Household, and some staff members received their presents directly from Her Majesty.
This tradition of gift-giving was started by her grandfather, King George V, and was continued by her father, King George VI, and herself. The gift of Christmas puddings to staff members, accompanied by cards from the Queen and Prince Philip, was a symbol of her appreciation and a continuation of royal holiday customs.
A happy Christmas to one and all!
Each year, around 1,500 Christmas puddings were distributed to staff at the Queen’s palaces, the royal post office, and the police officers who guarded her. The Queen personally financed these gifts, which were accompanied by cards from herself and Prince Philip, serving as a token of gratitude and a personal touch from the monarch. This tradition was a significant aspect of the royal Christmas celebrations, embodying the Queen’s recognition of the dedication and service of her staff.
This tradition of gift-giving was started by her grandfather, King George V, and was continued by her father, King George VI, and herself. The gift of Christmas puddings to staff members, accompanied by cards from the Queen and Prince Philip, was a symbol of her appreciation and a continuation of royal holiday customs.
Donations to charities and churches
Queen Elizabeth’s generosity during the holiday season also extended to charitable donations. She made monetary contributions to several organizations in Windsor, where Windsor Castle is a prominent landmark.
In addition, she donated Christmas trees to various churches with royal connections, including Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as to schools and churches near Sandringham. These donations reflected the Queen’s commitment to supporting her local community and maintaining the royal tradition of charitable giving during the festive season.
A strange tradition
Sandringham House was where the Queen traditionally spent her Christmas holidays, extending her stay there through February 6. Surrounded by Christmas decorations for this extended period, the Queen was undeterred by superstitions associated with keeping decorations up past Twelfth Night.
This practice was peculiar to the Queen, especially considering the misfortune that befell her at the young age of 25, when she ascended to the throne. Her adherence to this tradition, despite personal tragedies, underscored her commitment to maintaining royal customs and her resilience in the face of adversity.
A tribute to a father and a king
February 6 held a profound significance for Queen Elizabeth II, marking a day of remembrance and tribute. On this date in 1952, her father, King George VI, passed away at Sandringham, a loss that deeply affected the Queen.
In honor of her father’s memory, she maintained a tradition of staying at Sandringham with the Christmas decorations still up until this date each year. This practice was more than a mere continuation of holiday festivities; it was a poignant homage to her late father and a way to celebrate his life and legacy in a place that held special meaning for both of them.
An unbelievable loss
The bond between the Queen and her father was exceptionally strong and deeply personal. Following King George VI’s passing in 1952, the Queen expressed her sense of disbelief and the profound sense of loss in a letter to her secretary.
As reported by The Independent, she conveyed the enormity of her father’s absence and how much he was missed, her words reflecting the depth of her sorrow. These sentiments, echoing through the years, highlight the enduring impact of her father’s influence and the void his passing left in her life.
A devoted father
The relationship between the Queen and her father, George VI, was marked by deep affection and mutual respect. George VI, initially Duke Albert of York, shared a close and loving relationship with both his daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret. Elizabeth, known affectionately as “Lilibet” within the family, was regarded as his “pride,” while Margaret was his “joy.”
This familial bond was foundational to the Queen’s upbringing and character. Many years later, the name “Lilibet” would be passed down to Prince Harry’s daughter, reflecting the enduring legacy of this familial affection.
An unexpected coronation
The course of Elizabeth’s life changed dramatically with the abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, which led to her father’s ascension to the throne as King George VI. This unexpected turn of events meant that Elizabeth, initially not destined for the throne, was now the heir presumptive.
To prepare her for her future role, King George VI had Elizabeth write a description of his coronation, an exercise that revealed the high regard in which she held her father. Her account, filled with admiration and wonder, captured the significance of the event and her deep respect for her father.
The royal presence
In her account of King George VI’s coronation, Elizabeth described her father’s entrance into Westminster Abbey with a sense of awe and admiration. She referred to him as looking “very beautiful” in his crimson robe, conveying the grandeur and solemnity of the occasion.
Her description of the coronation as a “haze of wonder” illustrates not only the splendor of the ceremony but also her deep reverence for her father and the role he had undertaken.
Elizabeth joins the war effort
As King George VI’s reign progressed, he gradually entrusted his daughter with more royal responsibilities. Even as a teenager, Elizabeth contributed to the war effort and comforted child evacuees through radio broadcasts.
Her involvement in the war effort extended to joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a mechanic, demonstrating her commitment to her country’s cause. As she reached adulthood, she increasingly assumed duties on behalf of her father, preparing her for her eventual role as monarch.
The pain in her voice
When George VI passed away, Elizabeth, now Queen, embraced her responsibilities with stoic determination, despite the personal pain of her loss. Her proclamation as queen, in which she pledged to work for the happiness and prosperity of her people just as her father had, was tinged with sorrow.
The commitment to duty and service she expressed echoed the legacy of her father’s reign, a sentiment likely shared by her son Charles following her own passing.
The Queen’s Speech
The Queen’s Speech, an annual address to the nation and the Commonwealth, provided an opportunity for the Queen to reflect on her father’s legacy. In her 2019 speech, she reminisced about the D-Day landings during World War II, recalling the concern on her father’s face as he bore the weight of the secret D-Day plans.
This personal anecdote illustrated the Queen’s ability to carry similar burdens with quiet dignity, reminiscent of her father’s strength during challenging times.
A Secret Adventure
While Queen Elizabeth II was known for her formal and regulated public appearances, there was a time when she experienced a brief and rare moment of spontaneous interaction with the public.
As a young princess, Elizabeth once ventured out onto the streets of London, blending in with the everyday crowd. This secret excursion was a unique departure from her usual life, allowing her a fleeting taste of anonymity and freedom in the capital of her kingdom.
His burden alone
In her address, Queen Elizabeth II continued to recount the history of D-Day, highlighting her father’s role during that critical period. Her recollection of the look of concern on King George VI’s face on that day revealed a more intimate, personal side of history.
These reflections underscored the Queen’s deep connection to her father and the impact of his experiences on her own life. Her quiet remembrance of him during the holiday season was a testament to the enduring influence he had on her life and reign.
Mischevious Sisters
This little-known adventure saw Princess Elizabeth, accompanied by her sister Princess Margaret, sneaking out of the palace to spontaneously join the public in a moment of unrestrained joy.
Acting much like any carefree teenager, she briefly cast aside the constraints of royal life to experience the city as an ordinary citizen. This rare and spontaneous act was inspired by a momentous event, offering a glimpse into the more human and relatable side of the future monarch.
Heavily Regulated
Over the years, Queen Elizabeth II’s interactions with the public evolved, becoming more structured and formal as befitting her role as monarch. Throughout her reign, she made concerted efforts to connect with people both in the United Kingdom and abroad, albeit within the controlled parameters of her royal duties.
These engagements, while carefully orchestrated, were integral to her role as a symbol of unity and continuity, reflecting her commitment to her subjects and her role as a figurehead of the Commonwealth.
Not Quite Out And About
In her later years, Queen Elizabeth II’s public appearances understandably became less frequent as she entered her 90s. Adapting to the changing times and her age, many of her public engagements shifted to virtual platforms.
For instance, in 2020, she made a significant televised address to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. The Queen also continued her tradition of delivering a Christmas Day message on television, a practice that became an essential part of the holiday season for many people in Britain and around the world.
Never Missing A Beat
Despite reducing the number of her public appearances, there were certain events that Queen Elizabeth rarely missed. Her well-known passion for horses often saw her attending prestigious equestrian events, with Royal Ascot being a notable example.
Additionally, the Royal Windsor Horse Show was a favorite of hers, and it’s reported that she attended every edition of this annual event since 1943. These appearances not only showcased her enduring love for equestrian sports but also her commitment to maintaining royal traditions and supporting British cultural events.
Packed Schedule
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II maintained a packed schedule of various public engagements each year. Her meetings ranged from discussions with political figures to interactions with students, workers, and heads of state.
These engagements were vital to her role as monarch, allowing her to connect with people from all walks of life and stay informed about various national and global issues. Her commitment to these duties was remarkable, especially considering her long tenure on the throne, spanning over seven decades.
The Garden Parties
One of the Queen’s unique traditions was hosting the Royal Garden Parties. These events, held at Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland, welcomed over 30,000 guests annually to enjoy tea and sandwiches in the royal gardens.
The parties were a way for the Queen to acknowledge and thank public servants and other individuals who had made significant contributions to society. This tradition was a hallmark of her reign, reflecting her desire to recognize and celebrate the achievements of people from various sectors.
Incognito
The Queen’s interactions with the public weren’t always formal and could sometimes be quite humorous. A notable example was shared by one of her former protection officers, Richard Griffin. He recounted an amusing incident where American tourists encountered the Queen near her Balmoral residence in Scotland.
Wearing a plain headscarf, the Queen was unrecognized by the tourists, leading to a lighthearted exchange that showcased her sense of humor and ability to engage with people in a down-to-earth manner.
“Never Met Her!”
Richard Griffin detailed this humorous encounter during a talk in 2016, as reported by The Times newspaper. When the American tourists asked the Queen if she had ever met herself, she wittily replied, “No,” and humorously added, pointing to Griffin, “But he has.”
This anecdote not only highlights the Queen’s playful side but also her ability to connect with people in a relatable and charming way, even when they were unaware of her true identity.
The Infamous Bedside Chat
Among the more dramatic incidents during the Queen’s reign was the infamous break-in at Buckingham Palace. In this startling event, Michael Fagan managed to enter the Queen’s bedroom and engage her in conversation for several minutes. The Queen’s attempts to alert security were initially unsuccessful, and the situation was eventually resolved with the intervention of a royal staff member.
This incident, later dramatized in the fourth season of the television series “The Crown,” underscored the vulnerabilities even the most protected individuals can face.
One Evening Out…
There was a time, however, when the Queen’s interactions with the public were far less guarded. One remarkable evening, while still Princess Elizabeth, she mingled with military personnel and civilians on the crowded streets of London.
This spontaneous interaction was a rare moment when the future monarch experienced the jubilation of victory amidst her future subjects, a stark contrast to her typically more formal public appearances.
Historical Monument
The end of World War II in Europe in May 1945 was a momentous occasion that sparked widespread celebrations across Britain. The nation rejoiced as years of conflict and hardship came to an end with the defeat of Nazi Germany.
The streets were filled with relieved and jubilant citizens, as well as service personnel, celebrating the hard-won peace. These celebrations were a spontaneous outpouring of relief and joy, marking a significant turning point in history.
Refusing To Leave The King
During the war, Princess Elizabeth actively participated in the war effort by serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) as a second subaltern, later rising to the rank of junior commander. This involvement was reflective of the royal family’s overall approach to the war. At the outbreak of hostilities in 1939, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, reportedly refused to be evacuated, famously stating, “The children won’t go without me.
I won’t leave without the King. And the King will never leave.” This steadfastness exemplified the royal family’s commitment to remaining with their people during the war.
London’s Blitz
Princess Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, spent much of the war at Windsor Castle, while their parents often stayed at Buckingham Palace. Despite being a target, Buckingham Palace was bombed multiple times during the war.
The Royal Collection Trust notes that the palace endured nine bombings. The Queen Mother’s reported reaction to the bombings, “I’m glad we’ve been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the east end in the face,” referenced her solidarity with the heavily bombed East End of London and the resilience of its residents.
Only Royal To Serve
The royal family’s actions during the war garnered public admiration and respect. Princess Elizabeth’s decision to join the ATS, serving as a mechanic and driver, was a significant gesture of solidarity. Her service in the ATS marked her as the only female member of the royal family to have served in the armed forces.
This decision, along with the steadfast presence of her parents in London during the bombings, reinforced the royal family’s commitment to sharing the burdens and challenges faced by their nation during one of its darkest times.
Royal Truck Driver
During World War II, Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen, played an active role in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she trained and worked as a truck driver and mechanic. While she was not involved in active combat, her role was not without its dangers and challenges. The BBC reports that at the peak of the ATS, over 210,000 women were enlisted, with 335 tragically losing their lives during service.
Among these women was Mary Churchill, the youngest daughter of Winston Churchill, then British Prime Minister. Elizabeth’s service in the ATS was a significant contribution to the war effort and showcased her commitment to her country.
London’s Blitz
Princess Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, spent much of the war at Windsor Castle, while their parents often stayed at Buckingham Palace. Despite being a target, Buckingham Palace was bombed multiple times during the war.
The Royal Collection Trust notes that the palace endured nine bombings. The Queen Mother’s reported reaction to the bombings, “I’m glad we’ve been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the east end in the face,” referenced her solidarity with the heavily bombed East End of London and the resilience of its residents.
Only Royal To Serve
The royal family’s actions during the war garnered public admiration and respect. Princess Elizabeth’s decision to join the ATS, serving as a mechanic and driver, was a significant gesture of solidarity. Her service in the ATS marked her as the only female member of the royal family to have served in the armed forces.
This decision, along with the steadfast presence of her parents in London during the bombings, reinforced the royal family’s commitment to sharing the burdens and challenges faced by their nation during one of its darkest times.
Royal Truck Driver
During World War II, Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen, played an active role in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she trained and worked as a truck driver and mechanic. While she was not involved in active combat, her role was not without its dangers and challenges. The BBC reports that at the peak of the ATS, over 210,000 women were enlisted, with 335 tragically losing their lives during service.
Among these women was Mary Churchill, the youngest daughter of Winston Churchill, then British Prime Minister. Elizabeth’s service in the ATS was a significant contribution to the war effort and showcased her commitment to her country.
Official Surrender
The surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945 heralded a significant turning point in history, bringing an end to the grueling conflict in Europe. This momentous event was met with an overwhelming sense of joy and relief, particularly in Britain, where the public had endured the hardships and sacrifices of war for six long years. As news of the surrender spread, it ignited spontaneous celebrations across the nation, a collective release of pent-up emotions after years of uncertainty and fear.
In London, the epicenter of these celebrations was Buckingham Palace, a symbol of national resilience and unity. There, over 100,000 people converged, filling the surrounding streets with a sea of jubilant faces, all eager to catch a glimpse of King George VI and the royal family. This gathering at the palace was a poignant display of the country’s gratitude and affection for the monarchy, which had stood as a beacon of hope throughout the war. The King’s appearance on the balcony, alongside his family, was not just a ceremonial act; it was a powerful symbol of the nation’s triumph and a shared moment of victory and relief that united the King with his people in a shared experience of joy and national pride.
Balcony Greetings
The royal family, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, made several appearances on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in response to the crowds.
In an interview with BBC war correspondent Godfrey Talbot 40 years later, Queen Elizabeth II recalled the frequency of their balcony appearances, highlighting their desire to share in the nation’s jubilation and to be visible to the people during this historic moment.
Down To The Crowds
The Queen’s recollections of that day conveyed the excitement and emotion that she and her sister, Princess Margaret, experienced. They longed to see the celebrations from the perspective of the crowd outside the palace.
Elizabeth described how the exhilaration of the floodlights and the joy of the people sparked their desire to witness the festivities firsthand, leading them to request permission from their parents to join the crowds outside.
Let The Darlings Have Some Fun
Surprisingly, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) consented to the young princesses’ request to venture out among the crowds. Historian Kate Williams, in the documentary “The Queen’s Big Night Out,” quoted the royal couple as saying, “Let the darlings have some fun.”
This rare approval for the princesses to mingle anonymously with the public on such a momentous night underscored the significance of the occasion and the desire of the royal family to be part of the national celebration.
Normal Teenagers
On that memorable night, Princess Elizabeth, then 19, and Princess Margaret, 14, joined a group comprising friends, servants, and guards to experience the victory celebrations.
The group’s recollections, including those of the princesses’ cousin Margaret Rhodes and royal aide Jean Woodroffe, as shared in the documentary, painted a vivid picture of the excitement and joy of that evening.
We Want The King And Queen!
Describing the venture outside the palace, Margaret Rhodes recalled the moment they joined the crowd, chanting for the King and Queen to appear on the balcony.
This spontaneous participation in the public’s call for the royal family to appear was a unique experience for the princesses, allowing them to be part of the crowd’s enthusiasm and jubilation.
Shocking Sights
The scenes on the streets of London that night were extraordinary, with Jean Woodroffe describing an atmosphere of unrestrained celebration, including people kissing and even more intimate displays of affection.
The level of public exuberance, unaccustomed to the sheltered young princesses, must have been an eye-opening experience, offering them a glimpse into the raw emotion and relief of the public at the end of the war.
Pulling Her Cap Down
Princess Elizabeth, aware of her potential recognition, took measures to conceal her identity during the celebrations. In a 1985 BBC interview, the Queen recalled how she tried to keep a low profile by pulling down her uniform cap to cover her eyes.
This attempt at anonymity was a rare opportunity for the future monarch to blend in with the crowd and experience the festivities as an ordinary citizen.
If Only They Knew…
However, Elizabeth’s efforts at maintaining a low profile were somewhat thwarted by a Grenadier officer in their party, who insisted she wear her cap properly.
The Queen humorously recounted this moment, where she was admonished for her informal attire, a rare instance of the future monarch being corrected in a lighthearted manner.
Swept Along The Tide
The Queen fondly remembered the night’s events, describing the overwhelming sense of community and joy as they walked through the streets of London. She recalled the sight of countless unknown people linking arms and walking together, symbolizing the collective relief and happiness at the war’s end.
This experience, walking amidst a sea of jubilant faces, was a poignant moment for the young princess, connecting her with the nation she would one day lead.
Stolen Hat
The story of the royal entourage and a Dutch sailor’s hat adds a humorous and humanizing touch to the otherwise solemn and historic account of V-E Day celebrations. As recounted by Margaret Rhodes in the documentary “The Queen’s Big Night Out,” this amusing incident took place during the spontaneous outing of Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret on the streets of London, celebrating the end of World War II in Europe. Amidst the festivities, the young royals and their companions found themselves in a playful skirmish involving a Dutch sailor’s hat. In the chaos and excitement of the moment, the hat somehow ended up with the royal group, leading to a light-hearted chase as the sailor attempted to reclaim his headgear.
This pursuit, while trivial in the grand scheme of the evening’s events, offered a glimpse into the more carefree and spirited side of the princesses, a stark contrast to their usual composed public personas. The incident, although minor, underscored the jubilant mood of the night and the sense of camaraderie and shared celebration that permeated the crowd, including the future queen and her sister.
All In Uniform
When asked if the sailor realized he was chasing the future queen, Margaret Rhodes noted that Elizabeth’s anonymity was protected by the prevalence of uniforms in the crowd.
The ubiquity of military attire during the celebrations meant that the princess, dressed in her ATS uniform, did not stand out, allowing her to experience the festivities as just another member of the crowd, a rare moment of normalcy for the future monarch.
Rather Nice Mayhem
Following their spontaneous conga through the Ritz, the royal party continued their unique VE Day celebration, immersing themselves in the joyous chaos of London. By around 10:30 p.m., they made their way to Trafalgar Square, a site bustling with revelers. Margaret Rhodes described the scene as “a scene of joyful whoopee,” where the atmosphere was electric with people embracing the end of the war in a spirit of unbridled joy.
Policemen were being kissed, strangers were celebrating together, and the air was filled with a sense of liberation and relief. For the young princesses, being part of this vibrant crowd must have been an exhilarating and surreal experience, far removed from the usual confines of royal protocol.
Electrifying The Crowds
In a bold and unexpected move, the group decided to enter the Ritz Hotel, known for its formality and elegance. Margaret Rhodes reminisced about how they burst into the hotel doing the conga, much to the astonishment of the diners inside. The Ritz, with its reputation for sophistication and decorum, was jolted by this lively intrusion.
This act, playful and uncharacteristic of royal behavior, highlighted the princesses’ desire to experience the festivities just like everyone else, breaking free from the constraints of their royal status for a night.
Shock And Awe
The unexpected sight of the royal entourage conga-ing through the Ritz caused quite a stir among the guests. Margaret remembered the reactions of the elderly ladies, who appeared faintly shocked at the sight of the princesses and their companions dancing through the hotel.
The raised eyebrows and surprised expressions couldn’t dampen the spirits of the young royals, who continued their celebration with youthful exuberance, seemingly unnoticed by most as members of the royal family.
Drunk Mad People
The group’s lively antics were a stark contrast to the usual solemnity associated with royalty. Margaret Rhodes reflected on the night, noting that their identity as royals was likely unrecognized by onlookers. To the other people celebrating that night, the princesses and their friends were just a group of young people, indistinguishable from the many others enjoying the freedom and joy of the moment.
This anonymity allowed them to experience the festivities with a sense of normalcy and liberation rarely afforded to members of the royal family.
A Tip Off
As the night progressed, the royal party made their way back towards Buckingham Palace, blending in with the crowd still gathered outside, eagerly awaiting another glimpse of the King and his family. Unbeknownst to the masses, the King and his daughters were right there among them.
This moment represented a unique blend of royal duty and personal freedom, as the future Queen and her sister experienced the celebrations from both perspectives – as members of the royal family and as ordinary citizens.
A Minor Cheat
The King and Queen eventually appeared on the balcony, responding to the crowd’s chants, but with a twist – Princess Elizabeth and Margaret were among the crowd. In a 1985 BBC interview, the Queen revealed that they had “cheated slightly” by sending a message inside the palace, signaling their presence outside.
This clever ruse allowed them to experience the balcony appearance from the perspective of the public, a rare and memorable experience for the young princesses.
Putting It In Context
After their unforgettable night out, the royal party discreetly returned to the palace, their adventure coming to a close. This remarkable evening, where Princess Elizabeth and her sister mingled anonymously with the jubilant crowds, remains a vivid memory for those who were part of it.
Their experience outside the palace walls offered a rare glimpse into the lives of ordinary citizens celebrating a historic moment, a night that would stay with them for years to come.
A Different Perspective
Baroness Trumpington, who later served under Margaret Thatcher, was among the crowds in London on VE Day as a young woman named Jean Campbell-Harris. She, too, was caught up in the excitement of the day,
having traveled to London by train to witness the historic moment. In 2015, she recounted her experience, painting a picture of the palpable joy and relief that filled the streets as peace was declared.
From Dim To Splurge!
For the first time in six years, London was ablaze with light, marking a stark contrast to the dimness of the wartime blackout. Baroness Trumpington vividly described the sudden transition from the subdued lighting of the war years to the bright, celebratory lights of VE Day.
The city, long subdued by the darkness of war, was suddenly alive with light and energy, a visual representation of the nation’s relief and happiness.
Passing Right Along
Amid the celebrations, Baroness Trumpington noticed Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret walking among the crowds, but they were just two faces in a sea of uniformed individuals.
To the people on the streets, the princesses were indistinguishable from anyone else, allowing them a rare opportunity to experience the festivities as ordinary citizens. This anonymity was a unique occurrence for the future monarch, a rare moment where she could blend in without the weight of her royal identity.
An Unforgettable Night
Reflecting on the decision of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to allow their daughters to join the celebrations, Margaret Rhodes praised their parents for their wisdom and understanding.
In the Channel 4 documentary, she emphasized how significant it was for the princesses to experience this freedom and be part of the communal celebrations. The King and Queen’s decision to let their daughters participate in such a historic moment was a testament to their recognition of the importance of this shared national experience.
The Girls’ Escape
Margaret Rhodes remembered the evening as a wonderful escape for the princesses, highlighting the rarity of their experience walking among a crowd of a million people. For the young royals, it was a night of unprecedented freedom, an opportunity to be ordinary people for the first time.
Years later, the Queen herself reflected on that night in a BBC interview, calling it one of the most memorable nights of her life. For a young woman who would one day become a monarch, it was an extraordinary experience, a brief interlude of normalcy in a life that was anything but ordinary.