
Meg Randell
Head of U.K. & Europe for Fashion and Handbags
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Sold for £3,200 inc. premium
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Head of U.K. & Europe for Fashion and Handbags

Head of Department
In 1992 Queen Elizabeth II marked the 40th year of her reign by delivering the now famous 'Annus Horribilis' speech, for which she received a standing ovation from the 500 guests at the Guildhall luncheon. The speech was deemed the first time that the Queen's inner turmoil and vulnerability regarding her own life was shown openly to the world.
In this year, the Queen saw three of her children separate from their spouses, a number of royal scandals were discussed within the tabloids, and Windsor Castle suffered a major fire only days before the speech:
"No institution, city, monarchy, whatever, should expect to be free from scrutiny of those who give it their loyalty and support, not to mention those who don't. But we are all part of the same fabric of our national society and that scrutiny, by one part of another, can be just as effective if it is made with a touch of gentleness, good humour, and understanding."