No 10 Apologizes for John Major’s Birthday Message to Queen Mother

Recent documents have revealed a formal apology from former Prime Minister John Major’s office regarding a birthday telegram addressed to the Queen Mother. The telegram, sent for her 94th birthday in 1994, was criticized for being addressed in an “improper manner,” prompting a response from her office.

Details of the Apology

The newly released files, available at the National Archives in Kew, London, indicate that Captain Sir Alastair Aird, the Queen Mother’s private secretary, contacted Downing Street to request clarification on the mishap. He sought an explanation for the incorrect addressing of the birthday greeting.

Investigation Findings

Roderic Lyne, from John Major’s private office, authored a response following an internal investigation. In his letter, he apologized for the oversight but defended his staff, asserting that they were “sticklers for the correct form.” He speculated that British Telecom was to blame for the telegram’s misaddressing.

Key Statements

Lyne stated, “The message itself, as it left our hands, was entirely correct. However, in transmitting it, it appears that British Telecom most unfortunately addressed the telegram in the improper manner which you described.” He expressed regret about the error and suggested abandoning telegrams due to their declining use.

Queen Mother’s Response

Despite the mix-up, the Queen Mother personally sent a message of thanks to John Major and his wife, Norma. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “I was very touched by your kind message of good wishes on my birthday and send you both my warm thanks.”

Historical Context

The Queen Mother, who served as a beloved figure in British royalty, passed away in 2002 at the age of 101. The archives routinely release government files after two decades. However, documents associated with the Royal Family are often withheld under the Public Records Act.

Administrative Errors

Additionally, the Cabinet Office recently acknowledged an “administrative error” leading to the unredacted release of documents concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Such incidents underscore the pressures and responsibilities of managing information related to both government and royal affairs.