A new memoir by Anne Glenconner, former lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret, reveals a strict moment from the British royal family’s past. According to the book, Queen Elizabeth II once delivered a stern reprimand to a young Prince William after he wandered off alone during a family gathering at Balmoral Castle in 1990.
The incident is detailed in Glenconner’s book, Trunks and Tiaras. An excerpt published by the Daily Mail highlights how even senior royals were not immune to Queen Elizabeth’s disciplinary expectations when safety and protocol were breached.
The 1990 Balmoral Incident Involving Prince William
The event occurred during an autumn weekend at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The family gathering included the late Queen, Princess Margaret, Anne Glenconner, Margaret’s son David Linley, then-Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and a young Prince William alongside his brother, Prince Harry.
Glenconner recalled waiting for Princess Margaret inside the castle later in the afternoon when she suddenly heard raised voices coming from outside. Looking out the window, she witnessed the late monarch giving a young Prince William a severe dressing-down.
According to the memoir, William had been out riding his pony along the castle drive around 8:00 PM. He wheeled back from his group and returned to the castle entirely on his own without informing anyone.
Palace Staff Left Terrified by the Royal Child’s Actions
The unexpected departure caused immediate panic among the palace staff. Because his movements were unaccounted for, grooms frantically searched the grounds, terrified that the young prince might have fallen off his pony or injured himself without anyone knowing his location.
After observing the confrontation, Glenconner informed Princess Margaret of what she had seen. Margaret later remarked that the Queen was entirely justified in giving her grandson a sharp warning. As Margaret stated, “The Queen was quite right to give him a rocket.”
This strict approach to discipline reflected the late monarch’s view of duty and protocol. King Charles previously acknowledged his mother’s authority within the family dynamics, once stating of the Queen, “She may be my grandmother, but she is also very much the boss.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What book details Queen Elizabeth reprimanding Prince William?
The incident is detailed in Anne Glenconner’s memoir, Trunks and Tiaras, which shares behind-the-scenes accounts from her time as lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret.
When did the reprimand happen?
The event took place in 1990 during a family weekend gathering at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Why was Queen Elizabeth upset with Prince William?
The Queen was angry because a young Prince William broke away from his riding group and returned to the castle alone without telling anyone, leaving palace staff frantic and terrified for his safety.
Who is Anne Glenconner?
Anne Glenconner served as a close friend and lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II.
How did King Charles view Queen Elizabeth’s authority?
Family members recognized the Queen’s strict nature regarding discipline, with King Charles famously noting that she was very much the boss.
