A Royal Bedtime Story: Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama’s 2011 State Visit
Valentine Low’s new book, “Power and the Palace,” currently serialized in the London Times, unveils a charming anecdote from Queen Elizabeth II’s encounter with President Barack Obama during his 2011 state visit to London. The book reveals a side of the Queen rarely seen – a woman with a firm sense of time and a clear preference for her own comfort.
A Midnight Dismissal: The Queen’s Polite Request
The Scene: A Buckingham Palace Banquet
Imagine the scene: a lavish state dinner at Buckingham Palace, the air buzzing with conversation and the clinking of glasses. President Obama, the leader of the free world, is engaging in lively discussions, seemingly oblivious to the passage of time. But unbeknownst to him, the evening was drawing to a close, at least according to the Queen.
The Queen’s Intervention
As the clock struck midnight, Queen Elizabeth II, ever the pragmatist, subtly intervened. Approaching then-Chancellor George Osborne, she delivered a direct, yet undeniably polite, request: “Will you tell President Obama it’s time to go to bed?” The sheer audacity of the request, coupled with its understated delivery, perfectly encapsulates the Queen’s unique blend of authority and charm.
Osborne’s Dilemma & Geidt’s Intervention
Osborne, understandably taken aback by this unusual assignment, found himself momentarily unsure how to proceed. The image of him approaching the President, surrounded by a throng of people, to suggest he retire for the night is comical. Fortunately, the Queen’s private secretary, Christopher Geidt, deftly stepped in, assuring Osborne that the matter was being handled.
Beyond the Bedtime: The Queen’s Views on Brexit
The book goes beyond this amusing anecdote, offering insights into the Queen’s perspective on Brexit. Low suggests that the Queen was, at best, unenthusiastic about leaving the European Union.
A Telling Phrase: “The Devil You Know”
Low cites an instance where the Queen reportedly told a minister, “It’s better to stick with the devil you know,” a phrase hinting at her preference for the familiar and established structures of the EU. This sentiment, coupled with other anecdotes, paints a picture of a monarch valuing stability and continuity above all else.
Challenging Dinner Guests: A Subtle Indication?
The book also mentions a habit of the Queen’s: challenging her dinner guests to name three benefits of Europe. While not explicitly pro-EU, this practice subtly reveals a curiosity and engagement with the topic, rather than outright rejection.
Monarchy vs. Federal Europe: An Inherent Tension
The inherent incompatibility between the principles of monarchy and the structure of a federal Europe provides another layer of understanding to the Queen’s potential reservations about Brexit. The monarchy, by its very nature, embodies national sovereignty, while the EU operates on the pooling of sovereignty across member states. This inherent clash of ideologies suggests a pragmatic, rather than ideological, approach by the Queen to the issue.
Conclusion: A Reluctant Pragmatist
While the Queen may not have openly campaigned for remaining in the EU, the evidence presented in Low’s book suggests a preference for stability and a pragmatic approach to change. The amusing anecdote of the President being gently encouraged to retire underscores this, revealing a side of the Queen both charming and revealing of her resolute nature. The image of the Queen prioritizing her own well-deserved rest alongside the significant world event highlights the remarkable blend of the personal and the political that defined her reign.
