Samantha and Thomas Markle Jr pay tribute to Queen

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Queen Elizabeth II largely enjoyed the support of the public over her staggering 70-year rule. However, with a role of this magnitude, critics are inevitable, too – and in 1957, one was met with a violent punch in the face for harsh comments about Her Majesty. 

As the country continues to mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, various figures continue to share their stories and their admiration for the late monarch. The Royal Family have all paid tribute to the Queen, praising her commitment to service and duty.

King Charles described the passing of his mother as a “great sadness”, but also added: “My family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

The Prince of Wales also thanked his grandmother for her support during his “happiest moments” and “saddest days”. The Duke of Sussex, meanwhile, hailed the Queen as a “guiding compass” who was “globallly admired”.

As crowds of people are also expected to flock to London this week to pay their respects, it is clear to see how adored the Queen was. Despite this, there have been times when she had to face up to scrutiny and even intense criticism.

Perhaps the most cutting comments came back in 1957, just five years into Elizabeth’s reign. The little-known John Grigg, 2nd Baron Altrincham propelled himself into the public eye with his vicious comments about Her Majesty.

He was the owner and editor of a small publication called the National Review. In it, Lord Altrincham described the Queen’s speaking voice as a “pain in the neck” and said she sounded like a “priggish schoolgirl”.

He added: “The personality conveyed by the utterances which are put into her mouth is that of a priggish schoolgirl, captain of the hockey team, a prefect, and a recent candidate for Confirmation.”

His article made a huge impression, provoking responses around the country, including from some of the biggest media outlets in Britain. The Archbishop of Canterbury also expressed his anger at the comments, and the Duke of Argyll called for Lord Altrincham to be hanged, drawn and quartered.

After his controversial article was published, Lord Altrincham was also targeted by the public. One person sent an envelope to his house with human faeces inside, accompanied by the message: “On Her Majesty’s Service”.

Met with almost unanimous condemnation, Lord Altrincham went on television to try and explain his comments. As he left the studio, 64 year-old ex-soldier, Philip Kinghorn Burbidge, punched Lord Altrincham.

Mr Burbriddge was a member of a far-right nationalist group called Empire Loyalists, and told the judge when he went to trial for the assault: “Due to the scurrilous attack by Lord Altrincham, I felt it was up to decent Britons to show some resentment.”

After being fined £1, Mr Burbridge told reporters outside the court: “I did what Prince Philip wanted to do, but couldn’t.”

Despite the hostile reception that Lord Altrincham received, a lot of his criticisms of the monarchy ended up impacting how the royals operated. One example was the Christmas address being televised for the first time in 1957. And by 1958, debutantes were no longer presented to the Queen in court.

DON’T MISS
New book will show Camilla’s journey from ‘outcast to Queen Consort’ [INSIGHT]
GB News sparks uproar as Meghan’s siblings react to Queen’s death [ANALYSIS]
Geri Horner forced to cancel 50th birthday plans after Queen’s death [INSIGHT]

Lord Altrincham was, in fact, later invited to to a meeting at Buckingham Palace to offer his his advice on how the institution of the monarchy could modernise.

Royal author Robert Lacey discussed Lord Altrincham’s impact while looking at the portrayal of him in the Netflix series ‘The Crown’. He told Town and Country magazine: “[The story of Lord Altrincham] fits in with the larger zeitgeist, and I think that’s the appeal of the series, and the book.

“It sets the monarchy in the historical context. In season two, we’ll be moving into uncharted territory: the national psyche. The changes that happened in our society, affluence, the consumer society, the way the world changes.

“Altrincham is an example of the monarchy falling behind. Because ultimately, the monarchy is only as good as the people doing the job.

“We’re very proud in Britain of our system, in distinguishing between the ‘executive’ that’s the politicians and the dignified, that’s the Queen. But sometimes, as we see with Lord Altrincham, that gets out of step.”

Source: Read Full Article