For many, the British monarchy feels like a world apart—filled with Queens, Kings, Princes, Princesses, Dukes, and Duchesses who seem like characters from distant stories rather than real people. The news often reinforces this perception, showcasing images of grandeur: majestic palaces, glittering jewels, and elaborate royal processions.
Yet behind all the pomp and ceremony lies a profoundly human side. Former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter offers an intimate glimpse into this lesser-seen aspect of Queen Elizabeth II, sharing a story that beautifully illustrates her down-to-earth nature.
An Unexpected Invitation
When Arbiter arrived at Balmoral on a dreary, rain-soaked day after being invited by the Queen, he anticipated the usual royal protocols. Instead, he was whisked away for a picnic with Her Majesty herself. The picnic wasn’t outdoors, as the weather dictated otherwise, but in a cozy log cabin deep within the Scottish estate.
As Arbiter recalled, he was greeted by a whirlwind of activity. The Queen, clad in her casual attire, was bustling around the cabin preparing lunch. “Everything was in Tupperware,” he recounted, describing her meticulous organisation. The Queen personally made the salad, mixed the dressing, and set the table.
“No, I Wash, You Dry”
After lunch, the Queen surprised Arbiter again. When he assumed the Lady-in-Waiting would handle the dishes, the Queen stepped in with cheerful authority: “No, I wash, you dry.” It was a moment that encapsulated her unpretentiousness and her belief in leaving a place exactly as she found it.
Arbiter was struck by her insistence on doing the work herself, even as the sovereign of the United Kingdom. This act, small as it may seem, broke through the formal exterior often associated with royal life and revealed her grounded personality.
The Queen Behind the Wheel
Balmoral was also a place where the Queen’s adventurous side came to life. Arbiter recounted her skill behind the wheel of a Land Rover, a trait honed during her service in World War II as a mechanic and driver in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. “She had a heavy right foot,” Arbiter joked, recalling the speed and precision with which she navigated the estate’s winding roads.
Sanctuary from the Public Eye
For the Queen, Balmoral was more than just a retreat; it was her sanctuary. Far from the public eye, it allowed her to embrace her role as a countrywoman. Her time at Balmoral was spent immersed in simple pleasures: caring for her horses, walking her beloved corgis, and hosting intimate gatherings.
Arbiter noted that at Balmoral, the Queen could step away from the formalities of her position and enjoy the kind of ordinary moments that made her so relatable.
The Legacy of Relatability
Stories like these reveal the late Queen’s humanity and relatability, which were integral to her enduring popularity. While she was a monarch, she was also a person who valued humility, practicality, and genuine connection. Her ability to balance the extraordinary responsibilities of her role with moments of ordinariness endeared her to millions.
As Arbiter reflected, these glimpses behind closed doors showed a monarch who not only reigned but also lived with grace and humour. “Moments like these,” he said, “are what make her legacy so unforgettable.”
Conclusion
Though she lived a life few in the world could ever relate to, the Queen’s down-to-earth nature shone through, particularly during her time at Balmoral. She was a monarch deeply connected to the people she served, finding joy in the simplest of acts.
It was a privilege to have Dickie on the latest episode of Greatest Minds. To listen to the full episode, as well as our back catalogue of guests, see here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DeVxxQbF7mkZkt89Yu5Aa?si=7E4_ex7FT3O3E8Yi1QL_1g
