1992: Queen Elizabeth II's Famous "Annus Horribilis" Speech

On 24 November 1992, Queen Elizabeth II made an unprecedented plea for sympathy in a speech made at a Corporation of London lunch to mark her reign of 40 years. In the speech, the Queen spoke of 1992 as being an "annus horribilis" – Latin for "horrible year" – and asked for moderation and good humour from the press when the monarchy was being criticised. She did, however, acknowledge the value and legitimacy of public scrutiny of the Monarchy.

1992 was indeed a difficult year for the Queen and the Monarchy more broadly: A fire destroyed part of Windsor Castle, both Prince Charles and Prince Andrew announced they were separating from their respective partners, Princess Anne announced her divorce, and the very public breakdown of the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana made the entire Royal Family the subject of relentless media scrutiny.

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