Why Queen Elizabeth was “Implicated” in Staff Blunders

Why Queen Elizabeth was “Implicated” in Staff Blunders

Within the walls of Windsor Castle, even the most dedicated royal staff members are faced with moments that sometimes test their nerves. Stephen Kay, who served as Queen Elizabeth II's footman for more than three years, shared with us a story of one mishap that shows how gracefully Her Majesty handled the (very occasional) happenings of palace life.

Like most of us who have hosted dinner parties, the late queen had her share of unexpected difficulties (though mine may not have been as grand as Windsor's). On one memorable evening, what began as a typical formal dinner party was thrown into chaos when the lights in the castle dining room mysteriously began flashing.

Queen Elizabeth, always practical, suggested that the supper be converted to candlelight. There was just one small problem.

As Kay told Slingo, “The butler once forgot to put the candles out on the table.

“While the queen sat virtually in the dark, we had to run down to one of the pantries to find and bring the candles,” Kay recalled.

What makes this story especially wonderful is the understanding nature of the Queen in these situations. As Kay explained, “These things happen all the time, and in any job that has to be perfect, there are always plenty of mistakes. But I don't think the queen really cares as long as the mistakes are corrected right away.”

A former royal footman who made this statement shortly before the monarch's death added, “The queen doesn't like sloppiness, so if it's an accident and not intentional, it's usually okay.”

Indeed, Queen Elizabeth was known to actually enjoy it when something went wrong. Samantha Cohen, who worked for the Queen for nearly 20 years, told Australia's Herald Sun (via Vanity Fair). The Queen was very comfortable with herself, but she loved it when things went wrong - when the cake wasn't cut, or the plaque wasn't unveiled.”

Somehow, I get the feeling that the queen was probably happy (or at least moderately amused) to be left sitting in the dark.

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