In her final days at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly made a humorous comment about Boris Johnson’s departure as prime minister, remarking, "at least I won’t have that idiot organising my funeral now." This claim appears in Tim Shipman’s new book, *Out*, a political history that delves into the post-Brexit era. According to Shipman, the late Queen made this remark to amuse her family and close aides just two days before her passing, following her appointment of Liz Truss as her 15th and final prime minister. 

 

Shipman writes that Queen Elizabeth, known for her dignified and diplomatic public persona, showed a lighter side among family and close confidants, remarking on Johnson’s theatrical nature, calling him “perhaps better suited to the stage.” However, some sources close to the Queen have expressed doubt about the authenticity of these words, noting that it was unlikely she would misunderstand the role of the Earl Marshal, who oversees royal funerals. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on these claims.

 

The author sheds light on the Queen’s overall reaction to Johnson, describing her as having taken his political missteps in stride. When Johnson prorogued Parliament in 2019, a move that caused significant controversy, Shipman writes that Queen Elizabeth viewed him as a “roguish and comic figure,” handling the situation with calm acceptance. “One senior royal aide characterized her approach as, ‘These things happen,’” Shipman claims.

 

This level-headed reaction stood in stark contrast to other royals’ views; Shipman reports that then-Prince Charles was “absolutely furious” over Johnson’s actions and was “outraged that Boris should treat the Queen like that.” Prince William’s aides also reportedly indicated that when he becomes king, there will be “more private, robust challenging of advice” between him and his prime ministers.

 

The book also discusses an alleged interaction between Johnson and King Charles regarding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, during which the future king reportedly wanted to acknowledge the history of slavery. Shipman writes that Johnson, who had little patience for what he saw as “woke” culture, advised, “I wouldn’t talk about slavery if I were you, or you’ll end up having to sell the Duchy of Cornwall to pay reparations to the people who built the Duchy of Cornwall.”

 

Shipman’s *Out*, published by HarperCollins and set to release on November 21, offers insight into the personal dynamics and occasional frictions between the Queen and her former prime ministers, particularly Johnson. It portrays the Queen as graciously enduring political turbulence, occasionally using humor to cope with the weight of her role, even in her final days.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-11-12

 

 

 

She was a good judge of character.

10 minutes ago, roquefort said:

She was a good judge of character.

 

I agree in principle, but Boris' character is about as deep as a shallow puddle.

Made up tittle tattle to sell his book

The dear lady got that spot on. The man is a complete idiot. 

This book sounds like BS from start to finish. Just to take one point as an example, the PM has nothing whatsoever to do with royal funerals and the Queen would not have made the ignorant comment attributed to her by Shipman. It would be interesting to hear Shipman being closely questioned about his sources.

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

This book sounds like BS from start to finish. Just to take one point as an example, the PM has nothing whatsoever to do with royal funerals and the Queen would not have made the ignorant comment attributed to her by Shipman. It would be interesting to hear Shipman being closely questioned about his sources.

 

The article makes precisely that point (that the PM does not arrange royal funferalls).

Sorry if you find it confusing....

10 hours ago, proton said:

Made up tittle tattle to sell his book

Yup. Written by a Murdoch babe reporter, published by a Murdoch company and, factually incorrect as the PM doesn't organise the funeral. But then in view of the source, hardly surprising, Hope it sells as well as Boris's book........ 

I do not think she was joking.

Tittle tattle to sell a book. No better than Harry Markle's book Spare.

 

The queen was very fond of Mr Johnson. 

13 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

The queen was very fond of Mr Johnson. 

 

Where is the evidence to support that contention? 

I guess she is laughing up from hell now. Makes me wonder who is having the last laugh?

Just now, Cryingdick said:

I guess she is laughing up from hell now. Makes me wonder who is having the last laugh?

 

I don't think Boris is laughing so who?

At least we only voted for our idiot once.

The USA doesn’t seem to learn from their mistakes.

10 hours ago, RayC said:

 

Where is the evidence to support that contention? 

 

Sorry it was a private conversation.