I was a Royal Family spokesman
A former Buckingham Palace press secretary has revealed which crisis was the biggest he had to deal with while working for the Firm. Appearing on Royals Unscripted this week, Dickie Arbiter told Daily Express royal editor Emily Ferguson that the fire at Windsor Castle was the biggest crisis he faced.
TL;DR
- A former Buckingham Palace press secretary identified the Windsor Castle fire as the biggest crisis he faced.
- The crisis was amplified by a government minister's public statement that the government would pay for repairs before the damage was fully assessed.
- This statement led to public criticism of Queen Elizabeth II, damaging her image.
- The situation improved after Buckingham Palace was opened to the public, with an £8 entry fee contributing to the restoration costs.
- The restoration cost approximately £36.5 million, with the Queen contributing £2 million and agreeing to pay income tax from 1993.
- Private donations also helped cover the repair expenses.