The Queen loves to go out in public unnoticed for shopping trips, according to a Buckingham Palace insider.


Popular on LondonNet


Speaking about her return trip from Australia in 2002, when the royal spent time browsing through duty free in Singapore’s Changi Airport, an insider said: “It was a secure area, no one was expecting her, and she had a lovely time browsing at the Clarins counter while Prince Philip went off to look at gadgets.

“Those sorts of moments, that we all take for granted, mean a lot to her.”

The 85-year-old monarch is especially close to her stud groom, Terry Pendry, and her dresser, Angela Kelly because they help to keep her grounded.

A member of staff told Robert Hardman for his new book Our Queen: “They talk to her about day-to-day life in the real world.”

However the Queen is aware of her position and makes sure to keep a distance between herself and officials and staff at all times.

One official said: “Once, when everyone had just come back from their Christmas holidays, I said to the queen: ‘Did you have a nice Christmas?’

“I got a very cold stare back. It was the kind of remark you’d make to anyone else, but you were not encouraged to make to the Queen. Everybody’s had the same experience.

“You’d think: ‘Wow, we’re getting on really well.’ And then she’d do something that just reminded you, that just pushed you back at a distance.”