The Queen meets British Prime Ministers, Past and Present

July 25, 2012 at 9:19 am by Artemisia

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Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha hosted a lunch on Tuesday to honour the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Former Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Sir John Major were also there to pay respect to the woman who was the one constant throughout their times in the office. Baroness Thatcher was the only living Prime Minister absent; the Iron Lady has largely withdrawn from public life due to health issues.

David and Samantha Cameron greeted Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip outside 10 Downing Street, before proceeding inside for a lunch. The guests were served salmon, roast duck breast with potatoes, and vegetables and trifle.

During her 60 years on the Throne, Her Majesty has had 12 British Prime Ministers: Winston Churchill, Anthony Eden, Harold Macmillan, Alec Douglas-Home, Harold Wilson, Edward Heath, James Callaghan, Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and David Cameron. The impressive result is second only to George III who had 14 Prime Ministers during his reign, and more than Queen Victoria (she had 10). Queen Elizabeth is believed to have entered 10 Downing Street half a dozen times, the first being in 1955, at the invitation of Winston Churchill who celebrated his retirement with a dinner.

Filed under British Royals
Tagged Elizabeth II, Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, Prime Minister Blair, Prime Minister Brown, Prime Minister Cameron, Sir John Major.