The Queen waving guests off the Hebridean Princess.

When the newly-elected Labour Government of Britain decommissioned the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1997, it was a huge blow to the Queen and to common sense. The ship was a symbol of Britain around the world, and was often used to seal massive business deals with other countries. Many felt it paid for itself many times over.

But the new “master” class thought otherwise. The modest cost of refurbishment or rebuilding was regarded as a political betrayal by a party that was overwhelmingly republican in sentiment.

The decommissioning of the Royal Yacht witnessed one of the very few occasions when Her Majesty shed tears in public. It had too many memories going back to her father, King George VI, who originally commissioned it.

Now in her 80th birthday year, the Queen has hired a converted car ferry, the Hebridean Princess, to take her and her family on the once-traditional summer cruise around the beautiful Western Isles of Scotland. Let’s not go overboard here: the Hebridean Princess has been converted into a luxury cruise ship of high standards, even if the crew of 40 Latvians on £40 ($74) a day pay hardly matches the old Royal Navy sailors who made up the ship’s compliment. They must be sorely missed by the traditionalists of the Royal family, not least Prince Philip, once an Admiral in the Navy.

The Grand Staircase on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Our Campaign
Here at Royal Anecdotes, we are launching an Internet campaign to recommission a new Royal Yacht Britannia, based on the old design, and with full RN crew. If begun now, it could be ready for HM’s 85th birthday.

What a fitting gift that would be from a nation that has sometimes undervalued its staunch Monarch in favour of fly-by-night principles promoted by here-today-gone-tomorrow politicians on the make.

Let’s start promoting this now. A new Royal Yacht for the Queen’s 85th birthday. Spread it virally if you can.

At a sprightly 80 years of age the Queen is clearly determined she’s not going anywhere. Some Royal correspondents, however, are beginning to query where Her Majesty will be buried, much to the embarrassment of her Private Secretary, Sir Robin Janvrin.

The usual crowd of Royal watchers turned up in numbers at Buckingham Palace for an advance preview of Dress For The Occasion, an exhibition of Royal clothes over the years. Guests included the BBC’s Royal Correspondent, Nicholas Witchell — of whom Prince Charles once said “I can’t stand that man!” –, Royal biographer Gyles Brandreth — a man who loves looking at frocks –, and Hugo Vickers, Royal gadfly and good egg supreme.

When one of them asked about the Queen’s funeral, Sir Robin theatrically tossed back his back head and — according to Richard Kay — declared, “The Queen will live forever!”

At which I’m sure the honoured guests all sang, with quavering voices, “God Save Our Gracious Queen”.

Prince Charles and Camilla during a recent visit to India.

The long-drawn-out romance between Prince Charles, heir to the British Throne, and Camilla Shand is told by Clive Allen and Andrea Paulsen over on our newest blog : Great Romances.

Camilla, who went on to become Mrs Andrew Parker Bowles, is now the Duchess of Cornwall and wife to the Prince. The story is a fascinating one because it indicates that relationships don’t always have to be temporary, whatever mistakes both parties may make along the way.

Read their story here.

Prince Harry has hired a love nest in the small town of Shaggs in Dorset for himself and his Cape Town girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, while he is on a tank-training course with the Army.

Harry is apparently being ragged mercilessly by his fellow soldiers about the name of the town.

One of his colleagues at the Bovington army camp said: “Harry is sticking to his guns that he wasn’t aware of the place’s name before he decided to rent the small house. He is, however, now seeing the funny side.”

The house is 15 minutes by car from the camp.