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the enhanced public profile of the Prince of Wales and the popular appeal of Prince
William as powerful insurance for the future of the monarchy.
Elizabeth has been through family troubles in the past few years which would have
shattered someone more emotionally fragile than she is. Worst of all for her as a private
person, and also as one with the reputation and preservation of the monarchy so close
at heart, has been the public exposure, the almost daily trawling through the dirty linen
(literally as well as figuratively). For her personally there has been just one consolation.
The events of the ‘annus horribilis’ and its aftermath have drawn her and her husband
even closer together. Philip has gone out of his way to show his affection and support
for her. ‘They have come together very much lately,’ a courtier said. On occasions when
Elizabeth carried out some evening function without him, she would return to find him
waiting up for her even if it was after midnight. ‘He is unsung for the total support he
gives to the Queen,’ a member of staff said. ‘They’re like Darby and Joan now – it’s very
sweet really.’ Elizabeth has a dream, a fantasy that she knows she can never realize.
There is a valley in Lancashire, near Clitheroe and the beautiful Forest of Bowland,
where, she once told a friend, ‘Philip and I would like to retire to…’