Men who had every chance of ruining the reputation of Queen Elizabeth II

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

One can only imagine what it would be like to live in marriage with one person, even a prince, for almost 74 years. This is precisely the term of the joint family life of the current Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II, and her recently deceased husband, Philip. And it's hard to believe that during this period the royal couple did not have a falling out. There are legends about the adventures of a tall and attractive prince - was Elizabeth really alone all this time? Were there men around her who could drive an ordinary woman crazy, and did she ever favor favorites? Today we want to tell about these secrets of the royal court.

Hugh Fitzroy

If you take any of the articles about the queen, then you will surely read there that Prince Philip was Elizabeth's first and only love. This, of course, is an incredibly romantic story, worthy of a trustworthy reigning person. But, of course, everyone understands that no matter how the heart sings, the queen must create a certain image and take care of family values. Therefore, we will turn not to official sources, but to the memoirs of friends and girlfriends of youth. So, according to Alatea's close friend Fitzalan Howard, there was still the very first love of a young then princess.

In the late 30s, unmarried Elizabeth threw loving glances towards Duke Hugh Fitzroy. The young man was of very noble blood and was accepted into the royal family without any problems. In general, a very profitable option for a marriage union. The young man himself showed increased attention to Elizabeth, but he was in no hurry to take decisive steps. As a friend recalled, in the princess's bedroom, far from the conventions and restrictions of etiquette, young girls discussed Hugh and other men. At one point, the usually restrained Elizabeth revealed her secret.

However, girlish dreams remained dreams - the relationship between Duke Fitzroy and Elizabeth II did not develop into a real romance. In the 40s, the young princess began dating Philip, and Hugh continued to break women's hearts. Marriage swirled with new problems and acquaintances, and the queen completely forgot about handsome Hugh. No, though. Since 1967, the wife of the Duke of Fitzroy, Anna Fortuna, has been granted the position of ruler of the royal dressing room, and her royal majesty is also the godmother of one of the earl's daughters. So the duties of a monarch exclude feelings.

Lord Porchester

He had youth, excellent pedigree and wealth on his side. Henry Gelbert, aka Lord Porchester, and later 7th Earl of Carnarvon, was the heir to the largest estate known as Downton Abbey. The parents of the young princess Elizabeth did not really want their daughter to marry "this Greek" Philip, so they decided to secretly hold a show of suitors. In 1944, George VI and the Queen Mother invited their daughters to watch the Royal Regatta. It was there that the first acquaintance of the 20-year-old "Spoil" (as his friends called him) and the 17-year-old princess took place. The handsome and modest Henry began to frequent the royal court, and with the young Elizabeth they converged in love of horses and racing.

Even after the wedding, the princess and her friend continued to spend a lot of time together. She affectionately called him Corruption and once even admitted that if she had no royal duties, she would have taken up horse breeding. Unlike Philip, the Earl of Porchester shared her passion. For this in 1969 he was awarded the title of manager of the queen of horse racing. There were even rumors that a separate telephone line was allocated to the count so that he could contact Elizabeth II without delay. As an official, he could, together with the boss, visit the racetrack and often go horseback riding. Such closeness to the Queen spread rumors that one of Elizabeth's children was not born of Philip. The creators of the Crown series even hinted at this - in both the first and second seasons, communication between old friends looked more than friendly. However, royal historian Keith Williams described this information as defamatory and defamatory of the royal family. Well, she knows better - by the nature of her service, she must know everything that happens outside the walls of Buckingham Palace.

Patrick Plunket

This young man lost his parents early: his father and mother were killed in a plane crash in 1938. Patrick and his two brothers were taken under his guardianship by an uncle. King George VI, who knew his late father closely, also helped the children. When Patrick graduated from the prestigious Eton College, he was already waiting for work at Buckingham Palace. He became the king's personal aide-de-camp, as well as the chief equerry. With the death of the ruler, nothing has changed significantly. Patrick continued his daily service for the benefit of the monarchy and personally to Queen Elizabeth II. According to Plunket's relatives, a mutual attraction arose between the young people. Elizabeth was impressed that her handsome assistant perfectly remembers names and faces, and also has an amazing instinct. Patrick and Elizabeth became especially close in 1956, when Prince Philip did not return from the Royal Tour for a long time.

Elizabeth could not accompany him, and there were rumors that the prince himself was in no hurry - he had a secret mistress. The woman was very worried, and it was at that moment that Patrick accompanied her everywhere. Some biographers hint that the royal favorite has not only become an assistant in daily affairs. According to them, the queen reacted favorably to Patrick's courtship - this is also indicated by the strong similarity between her son Andrew and Plunket. "I dare to assume that she had extremely deep feelings for him" - wrote biographer Charles Hiam. However, the queen herself did not hide her affection. This was especially evident at the time of the death of the favorite. Patrick Plunket died of liver cancer in 1975, and the Queen ordered the funeral to be organized in accordance with the rules of the protocol of the first persons. She personally wrote an obituary for the Times newspaper, where she described him as an irreplaceable servant of the monarchy and a loyal, honest man. At her behest, a monument was erected on the grave of the pet. The 6th Baron Plunket was never married, fully devoting his life to the royal family and his beloved Queen Elizabeth II.

Of course, the queen is a living woman and can have both loyal friends and men who would be deeply sympathetic to her. However, the more you read the story of this strong woman, the more you understand that Queen Elizabeth II never forgot about her royal position. That is why it is very difficult to doubt the purity of her reputation, and lovers of romantic intrigue can only guess and look for unsaid facts between the lines.