London (Parliament Politics Magzine) – Elizabeth II jokingly criticized Boris Johnson during her final days, according to new book details.
A new book reveals that Queen Elizabeth II joked about Boris Johnson’s role in her funeral preparations shortly after accepting his resignation as prime minister. The comment, reportedly made two days before her death at Balmoral, was shared by the Queen to amuse those around her during a family gathering.
What did Queen Elizabeth II say about Boris Johnson?
Tim Shipman’s book *Out* recounts that the late Queen, in a moment of mischief, remarked: “Well at least I won’t have that idiot organising my funeral now.” This lighthearted comment was said to have amused her closest aides and family members.
How did the royal family react to Johnson’s actions?
The book also reveals strong reactions within the royal family to Johnson’s actions, particularly his controversial decision to prorogue Parliament in 2019. While some royals expressed “undiluted fury,” Queen Elizabeth’s response was more measured, viewing Johnson as a “roguish and comic figure,” a perspective that contrasted with the outrage expressed by then-Prince Charles.
What was Prince Charles’s reaction to Johnson’s actions?
Prince Charles, now King Charles III, was described as “absolutely furious” over Johnson’s treatment of the Queen, specifically the prorogation of Parliament. The book claims that Charles felt it was a disrespectful move, and that in his future reign, there would be “more private, robust challenging of advice” between the monarch and prime ministers.
How did Boris Johnson respond to King Charles’s stance on slavery?
The book also touches on a reported conversation between Johnson and King Charles, where the monarch wanted to address slavery during a Commonwealth event. Johnson, opposing what he called “woke” ideology, allegedly warned Charles to avoid the topic, quipping that acknowledging slavery could financially burden the royal family by requiring reparations.
This new account sheds light on some of the final moments of the Queen’s life and her views on the political turmoil surrounding her time as monarch, offering a personal glimpse into her relationships with political figures and her family.