British former prime minister Boris Johnson has shared a series of conversations he had with the late Queen Elizabeth II during his time in office, recalling the queen’s humanity and sympathy. In an article written for the Daily Mail, Johnson noted that audiences with the monarch were a unique blend of tutorial and confessional, allowing him to open up to her about his personal life.
One particular conversation stood out, in which Johnson confessed to having a nightmare about being late to meet the queen and her husband, Prince Philip. According to Johnson, the queen’s response was to ask him if he had been naked, revealing that this was a common feature of such dreams. This revelation suggests that the queen was well-versed in the workings of the human mind, and was able to use her humor to put Johnson at ease.
Johnson also spoke fondly of the queen’s willingness to accommodate his needs, recalling that she allowed him to exercise in the Buckingham Palace gardens after he fell ill. Furthermore, she was the first to inform him of a significant news story, namely the failure of one of the UK’s F-35 fighter jets and its subsequent crash into the Mediterranean Sea.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Via Boris Johnson/Twitter)
Throughout his column, Johnson emphasizes the queen’s exceptional qualities, noting that she was never less than supportive, encouraging, and considerate of others’ feelings. He praises her ability to remain calm and composed, even in the face of unexpected news, and suggests that this was a major factor in the stability of the British monarchy.
The column is significant not only for its insight into the queen’s character, but also because it marks Johnson’s first journalistic endeavor since quitting the UK parliament earlier this year. Johnson’s departure followed an investigation into allegations that he had lied to lawmakers about his knowledge of partygate, a scandal involving government officials holding parties during lockdown restrictions.
Johnson’s column provides a unique Look into the queen’s personality and behavior, highlighting her humanity, humor, and ability to connect with others. Despite the challenges and controversies faced by Johnson during his time in office, his recollections of the queen serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of dignity, compassion, and leadership.
