One four letter word, spoken casually, brought a surprise revelation about one of the closest relationships of Queen Elizabeth II.
In the 1990s, there had been much talk about whether the late Queen had warm friendships even with her closest relatives after claims that her eldest son, Charles, had lamented not spending enough time with his parents when younger.
Queen Elizabeth’s family relations
It had led to perceptions that Elizabeth II was cold. However, a royal biographer has now revealed how one off the cuff remark opened everyone’s eyes to a strong bond that changed how the late Queen was seen.
Sean Smith, author of a new book on the Duchess of Edinburgh, said it was Sophie’s sweet words to Elizabeth II that laid bare just how much the Royal Family adored their matriarch.
Speaking on True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat – Book Club, he said one moment changed everything. Sean Smith said ”She called her mama. And I thought, that’s a bit odd, and then I had another look….”
The moment came in 2019 when Sophie was speaking at Buckingham Palace in praise of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.
Sophie at the side of Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth II was at Sophie’s side and the now duchess had respectfully referred to her as ”Your Majesty” throughout. But as she turned to the deep bond between Queen and Commonwealth, her real feelings showed and she affectionately addressed Elizabeth II as ”mama”.
Sean Smith has just written a book on the Duchess of Edinburgh, called Sophie: Saving the Monarchy.
It also outlines some of the challenges that Sophie has faced in her 26 years as a member of the Royal Family. Royal Commentator, Sarah Hewson, told the show that ”when I was covering the Royal Family for Sky News, if I’d have gone to my bosses and said, I want to go and cover an engagement that Sophie is doing, they wouldn’t have been interested. I would have had a really tough sell. And now I think we’re starting to see people recognise just the work and the value that she has. And she’s a really, really fascinating individual.”
The Royal Beat – Book Club is available to view now on True Royalty TV.
