Status Updates From Elizabeth II: The Steadfast

‘For the first time Buckingham Palace was opened to the paying public, with the proceeds helping to fund the restoration of Windsor Castle after the fire, which the Queen had had to finance herself. The new Royal Collection Department was formed to administer these arrangements and to invest the proceeds (£38 million per year) into the maintenance of the Collection. No subsidy of any kind is required for this’

‘This was a tense moment for her. A huge crowd was still gathered at the gates. But the dominant mood was of relief that the Queen had returned home. It was not an occasion for loud cheers but the mood of the moment was caught by a lady who handed the Queen a flower. When the Queen promised to put the flower with the others left in honour of Diana, the lady replied: ‘Ma’am, this is for you.’’