Queen Elizabeth II: The Evolution of a Beloved Monarch
Queen Elizabeth II is now remembered as one of the most beloved monarchs in history, but her path to greatness was not always straightforward. According to writer James Pope-Hennessy, who interviewed the Queen in 1957 while researching a biography of her grandmother Queen Mary, Elizabeth came across as somewhat uneasy. In her book Elizabeth & Philip, historian Tessa Dunlop sheds light on Pope-Hennessy’s impressions, stating, “He found a self-possessed young woman, but not someone entirely comfortable in her own skin.”
Pope-Hennessy’s comments paint a picture of a young woman still growing into the role she would later embody with such grace and strength. As Dunlop notes, “One feels that the spring is wound up very tight. She is brisk, jerky and a little ungraceful,” he observed. These remarks, although perhaps unfair, highlight the challenges the young Queen faced as she navigated her new role.
At the time, people wanted more from their young Queen and had started to express their disappointment. Lord Altrincham, a respected journalist and peer, launched a scathing critique of Queen Elizabeth, accusing her of being out of touch in an article published in The National and English Review. As Dunlop explains, his criticisms were numerous: “Elizabeth’s entourage were ‘people of the ‘tweedy’ sort’, she and her sister still bore the ‘debutante stamp’, her voice was a ‘pain in the neck’ and her speeches lacked ‘spontaneity’, parts of which ‘sound very hollow’.”
The controversy surrounding Altrincham’s article was significant, and it was later dramatized in an episode of Netflix’s The Crown. Sarah Bradford’s biography suggests that the criticism may have been more directed at the Queen’s advisers than at the monarch herself, but Dunlop sees it differently. “He clearly thought the Queen was a bit of a frump and said so,” she writes.
Interestingly, what is often overlooked in Lord Altrincham’s widely discussed article is his admiration for Prince Philip. Dunlop highlights that Altrincham offered a flattering assessment of the Duke of Edinburgh, describing him as a man of “merit” and framing his lack of Britishness as an asset in a rapidly modernizing era. “He gives the impression of being a citizen of the Commonwealth, at home wherever he goes,” she writes. Altrincham even praised Philip’s public speaking skills, noting, “he is a first-rate speaker” who had “recently moved, not without success, into the domain of television.”
Despite the early criticisms, Queen Elizabeth II went on to become a cherished figure in British history. Her unwavering presence and commitment to her role became a source of national comfort and nostalgia. As Dunlop notes, Elizabeth remained true to her image, and it was this constancy that ultimately earned her the admiration of the nation. The Daily Mail has learned that these early judgments of the Queen, although significant, were not representative of the monarch she would become.
According to the Daily Mail, James Pope-Hennessy’s comments, although made over 60 years ago, provide a fascinating insight into the early days of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The Queen’s ability to adapt and grow into her role, despite initial criticisms, is a testament to her strength and dedication. As the nation continues to mourn the loss of this beloved monarch, it is clear that her legacy will endure for generations to come.
The story of Queen Elizabeth II’s evolution is a remarkable one, and it is a tribute to her enduring popularity that she remains one of the most beloved monarchs in history. As we look back on her remarkable reign, it is clear that she will always be remembered as a symbol of British history and culture. This article is based on reporting by the Daily Mail, and for further information, readers can visit: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals/article-14579605/queen-elizabeth-judgments-James-Pope-Hennessy-Altrincham-Prince-Philip.html.
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