Queen Elizabeth II maintained a multifaceted relationship with various Prime Ministers throughout her reign, each connection revealing a depth of understanding, sympathy, and at times, tension. She regretted that Harold Wilson and John Major had not achieved more due to their lack of working relationship and personal rapport. They had placed within her top three favorite Prime Ministers. The Queen’s sentiments regarding political issues were particularly notable, as she expressed clear opposition to Britain’s departure from the European Union, a stance that significantly influenced her interactions with contemporary leaders.
Her relationship with Margaret Thatcher was all business, and rather curt. While Thatcher paid her deep curtseys of respect, the Queen deeply disapproved of Thatcher’s uncompassionate policies. By comparison, she was very cordial with Wilson, who she called the one she *loved*. Their partnership was rooted in deep respect and personal loyalty. Yet this deep connection was in stark contrast to her dealings with other elected politicians.
A Royal Affinity for Harold Wilson
The Queen’s regard for Harold Wilson ran deep. And according to those close to her, Queen Elizabeth II took deep comfort in his leadership—and the direct discourse they enjoyed over his time in office. As historian Philip Low noted, she loved Wilson in a way no one else ever could. He emphasized the tight bond that grew between the monarch and our Prime Minister.
Their friendship was not solely predicated on procedure. The Queen was impressed with Wilson’s deep American empathy and ability to relate to her on both political and personal levels. Though the world faced a series of profound challenges, this rapport would have nevertheless proved reassuring to the Queen.
Wilson’s personal, poetic approach to governance struck a very deep chord with the Queen. She had a unique appreciation for leaders who engaged with empathy and compassion. This preference served to sharpen her ambivalence, if not outright hostility, towards Thatcher’s stricter fiscal regime.
The Strain of Political Differences
As opposed to her governing style, Queen Elizabeth II had a very strained relationship with Margaret Thatcher. The Queen’s concerns about Thatcher’s agenda have been highly chronicled and documented, resulting in their relationship being sustained more by obligation than by true affection. Thatcher’s own leadership style was famously stony and inflexible, squeezing out the kind of personal touch that the Queen cherished.
The Queen’s discomfort with Thatcher was underscored by her belief that many of Thatcher’s policies lacked compassion. Thatcher had a profound reverence for the monarchy. This admiration did not create an opportunity for a more personal relationship between her and the royal family.
In spite of their differences, the Queen served. She then masterfully threaded the needle of her unenviable position with grace. This involved walking the fine line of her own personal beliefs on political issues while still maintaining the constitutional duties of her office.
Sympathy for Contemporary Leaders
Besides Wilson and Thatcher, Queen Elizabeth II had a famously fraught relationship with Tony Blair. Their interactions didn’t help, often becoming tense under the pressure of Cherie Blair’s feisty persona. When something momentous occurred such as the Gulf War, the Queen would sincerely empathize with Blair.
Her deep empathy for these leaders at the height of a crisis showed more than just her knowledge of their burdens and responsibilities. Low echoed this sentiment, pointing to ways that some people romanticized their escapades. He then mentioned that Blair provided the public with “a very jaunty look about him.”
Though the friendship between the Queen and Cherie Blair was in many ways remarkable, it was not without its difficulties. The two women were frequently at loggerheads, which added a further layer of difficulty to Blair’s dealings with the monarchy. The dynamics of this relationship even more vividly illustrated how personal relationships can impact political relationships.
A Monarch’s Personal Touch
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s pastoral approach to politics stemmed from her strong Christian beliefs and values. At times, these perspectives differed from those of her predecessors. She fought hard for Britain to remain in the EU. She didn’t rest on her laurels but instead worked to creatively spread this message to key decision makers, including then-Mayor Boris Johnson.
In a rare moment of candor, she opened up about her mother’s guidance to approach this deeply personal topic. This exchange underlined how personal—and, indeed, personalizing—her royal duties could be. She deftly led these conversations. This illustrated her remarkable dedication to both upholding stability in British politics and maintaining adherence to her core convictions.
This nuanced approach went well beyond politics. It extended to individual behaviors, such as borrowing Hush Puppies and tube socks at informal parties. These instances highlighted the contrasts between her royal life and the everyday experiences of other women, including her relationships with various Prime Ministers.
A Legacy of Influence
Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy as a monarch will be judged on her relationships with political leaders over several decades. Yet her relationship with John Major shines out as almost idyllic. He was more than a favorite, too—serving a singular purpose as a confidant throughout the tumultuous marriage of Princess Diana. This surprising bond gave me unique insight into the level of trust that had been built between them.
As King Charles III ascends the throne, it appears he too is taking a more hands-on approach to politics. In opposition, her counterpart on the continent, Queen Elizabeth II, offered a very opposite example. She kept a healthy arm’s length from partisan politics while stepping up to lead when called upon.
The Queen also had unique historical ties. It’s widely reported that Winston Churchill developed infatuations for her during her rising years. This new discovery complicates the story we tell about royal intimacy and court politics.
