The Queen held her weekly audience with Prime Minster Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace today for the first time in 18-months.
Standing on a French carpet from the 17th century beneath a glittering chandelier, Her Majesty certainly pulled out all the stops for the politician as he attended the palace for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.
In an unusual step, the palace released photos of the pair meeting, showing the audience room is full of rich, historical mementos and sweet family pictures.
Showing her affection for her grandchildren, pictures of several of them took pride of place on her desk.
Among them is the engagement photos of both Prince William and Kate Middleton and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as a wedding photo from granddaughter Zara’s marriage to Mike Tindall.
Also shown was pictures of the Queen with Prince Charles and Princess Anne with her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, scattered among 18th century artwork believed to be worth more than £2million and surprisingly a two-bar fireplace which cost just £29.99.
Pictured, the Queen meets Boris Johnson today. 1. The Thames from Somerset House Terrace towards the City by Canaletto 2. Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence. 3. Engagement photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 4. Zara and Mike Tindall’s wedding photo 5. William and Kate’s engagement photo 6. Queen with Prince Charles 7. 18th Century English porcelain pheasants valued at £20,000 8. English gilt mirror, from the 19th Century, valued at £30,000 9. White marble and gilt bronze clock, valued at £4,000 10. Two-bar electric fire, approx. cost £29.99 11. French carpet from the 18th Century, value unknown
1. 18th Century Art
On the wall behind the the Queen and Prime Minster is a painting by Canaletto that is dated circa 1750-51. The piece, titled The Thames from Somerset House Terrace towards the City, is part of a pairing created by the Italian artist during his time in London
On the wall behind the the Queen and Prime Minster is a painting by Canaletto that is dated circa 1750-51. The piece, titled The Thames from Somerset House Terrace towards the City, is part of a pairing created by the Italian artist during his time in London. It recently replaced another painting by the same artist, which hung in the room for years, and is believe to be worth upwards of £2million.
The Queen’s closeness to her only daughter is well-documented, so it’s no surprise a snap of her with husband Sir Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence is on display among bouquets of bright fresh flowers. The photo shows them both in military regalia. Sir Admiral was a Vice Admiral in the navy before retiring, while Anne holds various positions.
2. Photo of Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence
The Queen’s closeness to her only daughter is well-documented, so it’s no surprise a snap of her with husband Sir Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence is on display among bouquets of bright fresh flowers.
The photo shows them both in military regalia. Sir Admiral was a Vice Admiral in the navy before retiring, while Anne holds various positions.
3. Engagement photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Perhaps showing that there’s no bad blood with her grandson, The Queen also keeps a picture of Harry and Meghan in her living room.
The couple, who left The Firm last year and now live in California, recently named their first daughter Lilibet, in a tribute to the Queen’s childhood nickname. The photo appears to be from their engagement in 2017.
4. Zara and Mike Tindall wedding photo
As well as William and Harry, the Queen also has a wedding shot of her eldest granddaughter Zara, in what appears to be her first dance at her wedding with husband Mike Tindall.
The couple, both professional sportspeople, married in 2011 in Edinburgh, and now have three children together.
Perhaps showing that there’s no bad blood with her grandson, The Queen also keeps a picture of Harry and Meghan in her living room. The couple, who left The Firm last year and now live in California, recently named their first daughter Lilibet, in a tribute to the Queen’s childhood nickname. The photo appears to be from their engagement in 2017.
5. William and Kate engagement photo
The clearest shot on display is the engagement photo of second-in-line Prince William and future Queen consort Kate Middleton.
The 2010 engagement photo shows the pair, then aged 29, at St James’ Palace.
The clearest shot on display is the engagement photo of second-in-line Prince William and future Queen consort Kate Middleton. The 2010 engagement photo shows the pair, then aged 29, at St James’ Palace.
6. Queen with Prince Charles
The only photo of the Queen herself in the room shows her with Prince Charles in images captured for her 90th birthday.
The portrait, fashion photographer Nick Knigh, shows the monarch her eldest son and heir in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
7. Porcelain birds
A pair of colourful 18th Century English porcelain pheasants valued at £20,000 are a standout element of the room.
8. English gilt mirror
Above the porcelain birds is an English gilt mirror, believed to be valued upwards of £30,000. Reflected in the mirror is a late 18th century chandelier and curtains.
A pair of colourful 18th Century English porcelain pheasants valued at £20,000 are a standout element of the room (left) and above the porcelain birds is an English gilt mirror, believed to be valued upwards of £30,000. Reflected in the mirror is a late 18th century chandelier and curtains (right)
In front of the mirror is a white marble and gilt bronze clock, valued at at least £4,000.
9. Clock
In front of the mirror is a white marble and gilt bronze clock, valued at at least £4,000.
10. Fireplace
In the fireplace there is a two-bar electric fire. Similar models can be bought on the high street for £29.99. The Royals are known to face the cold with fortitude, with the dated rooms in their various haunts known for their draughts and difficulty to heat. The Queen has similar budget heaters in fireplaces in all of her residences
In the fireplace there is a two-bar electric fire. Similar models can be bought on the high street for £29.99. The Royals are known to face the cold with fortitude, with the dated rooms in their various haunts known for their draughts and difficulty to heat
11. French carpet from the 17th century
The Queen and the Prime Minster stood on French carpet from the 17th Century, the value of which is unknown