Jump directly to the content

THE Queen has long been praised for her composure in all situations, especially when meeting with guests in public or at Buckingham Palace.

But according to a royal expert, the Monarch, 94, was forced to "hide in a bush" on one occasion to avoid an awkward encounter with one of her controversial guests.

The Queen often has guests stay at the palace
3
The Queen often has guests stay at the palaceCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The guest in question was Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu who was invited to the UK for a four-day state visit in 1978.

But royal author Robert Hardman claims it had sparked criticism and concern from the public at the time, with concerns about the Queen having to host him and his wife Elena.

Speaking on ITV's The Queen: Inside the Crown, Robert said: "The press started to question the foreign secretary David Owen, and were saying 'why are we inviting this monster to come to Britain."

But despite concerns, the Queen and Prince Philip welcomed the couple upon their arrival and even treated them to a carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace where they'd stayed.

According to Express.co.uk, Her Majesty maintained her composure when in public with the dictator but he appeared a bit too much for her throughout his stay at the palace.

 Romanian President Nicolae Ceaucescu, who was on a state visit to Britain in 1978, stayed with the Queen at Buckingham Palace
3
Romanian President Nicolae Ceaucescu, who was on a state visit to Britain in 1978, stayed with the Queen at Buckingham PalaceCredit: Popperfoto - Getty
The Queen has owned more than 30 corgis since taking to the throne in 1952
3
The Queen has owned more than 30 corgis since taking to the throne in 1952Credit: PA:Press Association

The royal writer said "She once told a lunch guest who in turn told me, on the occasion when they were staying she took the corgis out for a walk in the Palace gardens and she could see the Ceaușescus coming the other way.

"She thought 'I really can't face talking to them', so the first and only time in her life, she actually hid in a bush in the palace gardens to avoid her guests."

Lord David Owen also added that the Queen "puts up with many different people, but Ceaușescu was too much for her.

"She made that quite plain, she didn't like that," he said.

At the time Romania pledged £300 million worth of aerospace contracts in a bid to boost the British economy. So the Queen was reportedly forced to welcome the dictator into her home.

In other royal news, Kate Middleton and Prince William are "letting their guard down more" according to an expert.

And we told you how the Queen is worth £20 million less in 2020 than she was last year.

Plus the Queen once offended the Queen Mother after forgetting the brooch she was wearing was from her.

Former royal butler Grant Harrold discusses British etiquette when having afternoon tea on Miss Holland
Topics