In a fascinating revelation during the inaugural episode of the podcast series “Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things,” royal biographer Robert Hardman sheds light on an unexpected fear held by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Known for her unshakeable composure in the face of danger, the Queen faced challenges throughout her life, but one particular phobia stood out: a fear of helicopters.
Hardman, who co-hosts the podcast, recounts how the Queen maintained a stoic demeanor during a notorious incident in 1982 when an intruder, Michael Fagan, broke into Buckingham Palace.
Even after waking up to find Fagan at her bedside, armed with a shard of glass, the Queen remarkably proceeded with her scheduled royal duties the next day, showcasing her resilience.
Throughout her reign, Elizabeth II encountered several threats, ranging from Nazi plots to terrorist threats from the IRA.
However, Hardman noted that despite these numerous adversities, her trepidation over flying in helicopters was the only fear that truly kept her awake at night.
In 1977, as the Queen celebrated her Silver Jubilee, she faced this aversion head-on.
Determined to visit every corner of the United Kingdom to mark her 25-year milestone on the throne, Elizabeth planned to include Northern Ireland during a tumultuous period known as The Troubles.
Yet, her security team insisted that helicopter travel was the only viable option given the circumstances.
As Hardman explains, helicopters represented the Queen’s primary source of anxiety.
He elaborates, “She could endure many things—having lived through a war and numerous crises—but helicopters always made her uneasy.”
This fear was rooted in a tragic event that struck close to home: the helicopter crash that claimed the life of John Blunt, the captain of the Queen’s flight, in the late 1960s.
Hardman mentions how this incident profoundly affected the Queen, leaving a lasting imprint on her psyche.
Despite her fears, the Queen had an obligation to fulfill.
During her visit to Northern Ireland for her Jubilee, she had no choice but to board a helicopter, making it her first experience flying in one.
According to Hardman, she was transported to a Royal Navy frigate and then took to the skies over Northern Ireland, an act of courage that represented more than just a flight; it was a testament to her commitment to her royal duties.
It’s intriguing to note that while the Queen harbored a fear of helicopters, many members of her family embraced the aviation lifestyle.
Hardman points out that some of her children and grandchildren, including Prince Charles and Prince Andrew, went on to become helicopter pilots, an irony not lost on those who knew her best.
Co-host Kate Williams remarked on the significance of the Queen confronting her fear in public.
She stated, “This act illustrates Elizabeth’s unyielding dedication to the responsibilities of her position,” adding that the Queen exemplified the spirit of the phrase “keep calm and carry on.”
To dive deeper into this story and explore other historical royal controversies, tune in to the full episode of “Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things,” available on all podcast platforms.
New episodes drop every Thursday, ensuring there’s always more engaging content about the intriguing lives of royals to enjoy.
