The Firm: The Troubled Life of the House of Windsor (44 page)

The Queen, Princess Anne and Zara Philips. Three generations of equestrians

The mask seldom drops, but the enormity of 9/11 – and the memorial service for its victims at St Paul’s – was almost too much.

Charles and Camilla on the night their engagement was announced in 2005. After years of hostility the Queen finally gave them her blessing – and a family heirloom for an engagement ring.

The tragedy was that his marriage to Diana had failed so spectacularly. Posing after their engagement in 1981, the future had seemed secure. But she was young and ill – prepared and the spectre of Camilla haunted her from the start.

The first and second in line to the throne on the 50th anniversary of Victory in Japan day, August 1995. An early glimpse for Prince William about what the future holds.

A photo call on the Home Farm near High grove in 2004. The night before William met journalists in a local pub for a pint of cider – a new approach by ex Manchester United man Paddy Harverson.

Prince Harry being restrained after taking a swing at a photographer waiting outside a West End nightclub. He’s vulnerable and volatile – an accident waiting to happen.

Diana in her misery was another loose cannon. Her interview with Martin Bashir – a masterly performance – was the final straw. The Queen decided it was time to call a halt to the marriage.

The Queen’s great curse is that in repose her face looks glum, and if she’s watching the Derby and her horse is beginning to flag what can you expect? But if the horse comes in … jubilation.

People who work for the Queen say they are in ‘the feel-good business’. Meeting people is an important part of the job and if she overlooks someone, the Duke of Edinburgh is always there to notice and make amends.

Arriving on the Royal Train at Bristol for the Maundy Service. It’s an expensive option but – comfortably furnished and kitted out with full office and communications equipment – it’s a very secure and reliable means of transport, and one of her favourite.

William and Harry – the future. Service, dedication, duty is in the genes. But what if self-destruction is too?