The inside story of Buckingham Palace uproar following Queen Elizabeth II blunder

For a woman whose life unfolded in the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Queen Elizabeth II learned to find delight in life’s rare surprises. But as new details emerge, it appears one such moment of joy was inadvertently thwarted – by a journalist.

In an article for the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential, royal expert Richard Kay has recounted how, nearly three decades ago, he found himself in hot water with the royal household after reporting on a surprise event planned to mark Her Majesty’s 70th birthday in 1996.

The plans, organised in the utmost secrecy by members of the Royal Family, involved a celebratory outing along the River Thames to the acclaimed Waterside Inn at Bray, in the heart of Berkshire. The Queen, who was known to value private family gatherings away from the fanfare of state life, was reportedly unaware of the arrangements until Kay’s article made its way into the press.

“There was uproar at Buckingham Palace,” Kay wrote in his piece. “I was accused of spoiling a surprise party and told that The Queen, because of the very nature of her role, got very few unexpected treats – and I had ruined one.”

The reaction within Palace walls was said to be swift and pointed. Kay claims that, at a subsequent royal garden party, he was discreetly advised to steer clear of the monarch. He complied, he says – until a chance encounter with some of Her Majesty’s ladies-in-waiting drew the attention of the Duke of Edinburgh.

With characteristic candour, Prince Philip is reported to have referred to Kay as “that bloody man.”

Queen Elizabeth’s 70th birthday ultimately passed with the usual blend of private observance and public ceremony.

Next year will mark the centenary of Her Late Majesty’s birth.