After the challenges of the recent past, this was meant to be party time. The Royal Family went into 2022 with a sparkling Platinum Jubilee on the horizon. History would be made as The Queen became the only British Monarch to celebrate a reign spanning 70 years and the festivities would bring a much needed fizz to the Firm. That was the plan. The reality has been very different, so far.
Just two weeks on from Jubilee Day itself, The Queen is in isolation, having contracted coronavirus. Meanwhile, the House of Windsor is juggling a multitude of crises that can’t be shrugged off. There are constant questions about whether the structure in place should The Queen need to temporarily step back is up to the job and the coming days promise more controversial issues. It’s far from an annus mirabilis so far.
In fact, it’s turning out to be a treacherous time with no sign of respite. In the past week alone, Prince Andrew has settled out of court in a case that saw him accused of sexual assault (allegations he always denied) while Prince Charles has seen The Prince’s Foundation under police investigation over claims of cash for honours. The week ended with Prince Harry taking Her Majesty’s government to court over police protection.
And that’s just seven days worth. Jubilee years are normally filled with feel good moments but they are in short supply right now. While there is little doubt that The Queen remains as popular as ever, if not more so, her extended family is drawing criticism rather than applause. It’s not the best start to what was meant to be the best year the royals had known.
Meanwhile, The Queen’s health has led to constant questions about Counsellors of State, the mechanism in place should she be out of action for a brief period. Right now, four people can take on the role – Charles, William, Harry and Andrew. The prospect of the Duke of York stepping up when he has been told to step down from every other part of royal life is impossible to countenance while the Duke of Sussex is, of course, thousands of miles away in California. An obscure piece of legislation shouldn’t get so muchattention but, right now, everyone has something to say about the royals and not all of it is polite.
It’s not all doom and gloom. The same survey that found The Queen’s popularity remained sky high also showed that the Duchess of Cambridge was winning more fans while the reaction to the very public backing of Camilla as Queen Consort was filled with positivity. And it’s worth remembering that her Golden Jubilee year had a less than auspicious start. One of the lead organisers quit their role within days of 2002 getting under way while the Royal Family was plunged into mourning by the deaths of Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Yet, that June, huge crowds turned out for a party that became the high point of a successful celebration.
We may yet end 2022 looking back on a year that, despite the initial odds, became a platinum plated success for the House of Windsor. After all, becoming the longest reigning Monarch in British history is about a lot more than a long life. The Queen has navigated stormier waters before. There’s no doubt that if anyone can take the good ship annus mirabilis to shore, it’s the record breaking ruler, Elizabeth II.
