Hidden Gems Secrets Of The Windsor Women

To the world, they are the women who were either born or married into great privilege; women who lead remarkable lives that we can only wonder at.

- Judy Kean

HERE’S HOW THE ROYAL LADIES ARE JUST LIKE US!

To the world, they are the women who were either born or married into great privilege; women who lead remarkable lives that we can only wonder at.

But in reality, the famous and fêted Windsor women are like the rest of us, with hopes and dreams, flaws and fears, and quirky habits. Here’s a sneak peek at the real people behind the royal facade, and what makes them who they are.

The Queen SHE’S ACTUALLY VERY SHY

She spends her life meeting and conversing with strangers – from heads of state and celebrities through to ordinary citizens – but in fact, the Queen (92) is naturally shy, just like her father was.

As a child, there were times when her shyness was overwhelming and she found walking into a crowded room daunting, until her mum the Queen Mother gave her some advice that stood her in good stead for the rest of her life.

“The Queen Mother told the Queen when she was very young to be brave,” says family friend Prudence, Lady Penn (92). “She said to her, ‘What you want to do, when you walk into a room, is walk through the middle of the door.’ I think by that she meant don’t go in apologetically. Walk through as if you are in charge. I think that was very good advice.”

SHE LIKES TO BE ORDINARY

The Queen enjoys staying at Sandringham (where she spends Christmas) and Balmoral (the venue for her summer holiday) because she can be less formal than at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

Balmoral is her particular favourite. She goes horse riding in the morning, drives around the estate to visit tenants and even pops over to the neighbouring town, Ballater, to do a spot of shopping. Once a customer in one of Ballater’s shops said to her, “You look just like the Queen.”