It’s been a controversial week for the House of Windsor which has pivoted from one crisis to another in the space of just a few days. Unsurprisingly, through it all, The Queen did what she always does and kept calm and carried on. Just days after Prince Andrew settled out of court in a case that saw him accused of sexual assault and Prince Charles saw his foundation under police investigation over claims of cash for honours. Her Majesty held audiences at Windsor Castle. It was business as usual at the heart of the Monarchy but in the background, there were some very personal touches that added an air of normality much needed by the royals in a week where privilege became a problem.
The Queen faced the world in front of a sideboard that was filled to overflowing. And that strikes a chord with many. As did the items on show. Family photos, one too many ornaments and lots of chocolate – pretty much the same as many homes.
Let’s talk sweets first. The ultimate comfort food is in ready supply in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle right now. At least three rather large boxes of chocolate were on show as The Queen welcomed the outgoing and incoming Defence Services Secretaries. Whether they were Jubilee gifts or just a big pile of happiness brought out of the larder as the difficulties piled up isn’t clear. But anyone with a sweet tooth will be more than happy at Windsor being able to take their pick from mint cream, champagne truffles and a selection of dark chocolate treats.
Then there’s the ornaments. There are always plenty on show in The Queen’s rooms and, as is often the case, there’s a distinct focus on the animals that mean so much to Her Majesty. A rather impressive horse took centre stage on this crammed sideboard while the table behind that was weighted down with figurines.
Perhaps most poignant pieces were the photos. A never before seen image of The Queen with her great grandchildren was just visible behind her. In it, Her Majesty appears to be cuddling her youngest great grandson, Lucas Tindall. Prince George stands behind her while Prince Louis, looking more like his big brother than ever before, just about sits still at the end of the sofa. Lady Louise, the youngest granddaughter of the Monarch, towers over her relations in the snap which is thought to have been taken in the summer of 2021 at Balmoral.
It sits next to the now famous photo, taken by the Duchess of Cambridge, of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh with many of their great grandchildren back in 2018. It was shared by the Royal Family in the days after Prince Philip’s death. Placed together on the Windsor Castle sideboard as The Queen made her latest public appearance, they underlined all that had been lost.
But in the midst of this tumultuous time, there was perhaps a hint of hope for the future. Taking central place on the sideboard was a bowl of hyacinths, just coming to life. The promise of flowers bursting into bloom is always a sign of better things to come. The Queen must be hoping that the spring brings easier times for the dynasty she has worked all her life to sustain.
