While Queen Elizabeth II celebrated most birthdays in style, there was one year that stood out from the rest, especially as it was initially intended to be one big surprise. Although the late monarch used to seem perfectly happy marking her special day with a dinner at the Ritz Hotel in London, there was one year when the family really wanted to celebrate differently.
Looking back to 1996, the late Queen was set to celebrate her 70th birthday. While it is believed Her Majesty would have been happy sticking to birthday plans which had taken place in previous years, it was reported that her children wanted to do something even more special.
As a result, a planned surprise had been organised for the monarch to celebrate with her nearest and dearest on a boat in the River Thames, which would go to the famous Waterside Inn at Bray in Berkshire.
The plan was set to be a big surprise for Her Majesty, however this did not go to plan, leading to “uproar” at Buckingham Palace.
As reported by MailOnline, Richard Kay, the Daily Mail’s Editor-at-Large, broke the story before the late Queen had the chance to be surprised.
Recalling the situation, Mr Kay wrote in the MailOnline’s Palace Confidential newsletter: “There was uproar at Buckingham Palace.
“I was accused of spoiling a surprise party, and told that the (late) Queen, because of the very nature of her role, got very few unexpected treats and I had ruined one.”
This reportedly annoyed the late Queen’s husband Prince Philip, who shortly afterwards on an overseas tour referred to Mr Kay as “that bloody man” when he saw the editor was talking to a group of the late Queen’s ladies-in-waiting.
It is believed Philip told the ladies-in-waiting off for engaging with Mr Kay.
Mr Kay also revealed that he was told to avoid Her Majesty during the tour as a result of the “party episode”.