In a recent episode of the “Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things” podcast, Andrew Morton, renowned for his biography on Princess Diana, delves into the intriguing dynamic between the late Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill, whom she reportedly regarded as her favorite Prime Minister.

Winston Churchill, Britain’s illustrious statesman, served as Queen Elizabeth’s first Prime Minister. He became a guiding figure for the then 25-year-old monarch after the untimely death of her father due to cancer. His influence was profound during the early years of her reign.

Churchill’s connection to the royal family extended well before his premiership as he was the grandson of the Duke of Marlborough. During a visit to Balmoral, he encountered a young Elizabeth, just two years old, and noted her “remarkably equable demeanour,” hinting at the future Queen’s composed nature.

Morton shared on the podcast that Elizabeth held Churchill in high regard, being perpetually in awe of his presence and leadership. However, this admiration was not entirely shared by her husband, Prince Philip.

During the initial stages of Elizabeth’s reign, Prince Philip, viewing himself as a modernizer, aimed to make the royal family more approachable to the public. This vision often put him at odds with Churchill, who, as a staunch traditionalist, represented an era when the monarchy was seen as aloof and untouchable.

As a result, Philip frequently clashed with staunch traditionalist Churchill, who belonged to a generation when the royals were viewed as distant, untouchable figures.

Their differences came to a head over the decision to televise Elizabeth’s coronation, a move that ‘terrified’ Churchill.

On the latest Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things podcast, Princess Diana’s biographer Andrew Morton charts the late Queen’s relationship with Winston Churchill

Britain’s most famous statesman was Elizabeth’s first Prime Minister, acting as mentor to the 25-year-old Queen following her father’s premature death from cancer 

Early in Elizabeth’s reign, Philip saw himself as an outsider and moderniser, pushing the family to be more accessible to the public

Prince Philip and Churchill’s ‘coronation clash’

As Morton recounts, Philip once complained it felt like ‘there were three people in the marriage’ – himself, the Queen and Churchill.

The Queen’s relationship with Churchill went far beyond the cordial but professional approach she adopted with later Prime Ministers.

Elizabeth relied on the statesman for advice, both personal and political.

They had grown close during years of royal crisis – her uncle’s abdication, her father’s premature death, and her sister’s controversial romance with divorced courtier Peter Townsend.

Philip had expected time to rise through the naval ranks before George VI’s death thrust him into royal duties.

As Morton recounts, Philip once complained it felt like ‘there were three people in the marriage’ – himself, the Queen and Churchill

Andrew Morton: ‘Churchill and Philip clashed on numerous occasions, most notably over the coronation.’

Searching for purpose at Buckingham Palace, Morton describes how Philip positioned himself as the ‘great moderniser’ of the institution.

This new role would immediately put him at odds with Churchill when time came to plan his wife’s June 1953 coronation.

‘Churchill and Philip clashed on numerous occasions, most notably over the coronation’, Morton explained.

‘The prince was really into the new technology and wanted the event televised.’

Podcast host Hardman added: ‘The Queen and Churchill didn’t want the TV cameras in there. Philip and the Archbishop did.

‘They were terrified of looking like idiots if they got something wrong.

‘Philip however, was agnostic and keen to test the limits.’

Philip prevailed, and it proved a masterstroke. Some 27 million Brits watched the ceremony, with entire streets gathering around the nation’s TV sets.

It demonstrated to over half the country that the royals were entering a new, more modern era.

To avoid any public mishaps, the Queen diligently rehearsed the event.

Hardman said: ‘The last thing the Queen wanted to do was get it wrong. She practised like mad.’

Reportedly, she wore the notoriously heavy St. Edward’s Crown around the palace to adjust to the weight.

The Queen also had tape stuck to the floor of the Palace to indicate where she should stand at different points during the ceremony.

Although Churchill lost this particular battle, his bond with the Queen remained strong. 

She made him a Knight of the Garter in spring 1953, and he became Sir Winston Churchill.

When he finally resigned as Prime Minister in 1955, she offered him a dukedom to honour his extraordinary service. 

He famously declined, citing his son’s objections to inheriting the title.

To learn more about the Queen and Churchill’s ‘close bond’, search for Queens Kings and Dastardly Things, wherever you get your podcasts.