Royal secrets locked away as Whitehall censors seal 97 files from late-Queen’s ‘annus horribilis’

WHITEHALL censors have slapped 97 secrecy orders on royal papers from Queen Elizabeth’s “annus horribilis” — more than any other year. The 1992 files were due to enter the National Archives from 2017 but officials have locked the huge number away in the past nine years. Files from Queen Elizabeth’s worst ever year have been locked away under secrecy orders Credit: PA:Press Association Charles and Diana’s split was part of The Queen’s ‘annus horribilis’ in 1992 Credit: Reuters Her Majesty’s nightmare year saw Charles and Diana split, Windsor Castle burned in a fire, and the Squidgygate tapes leaked between Di and pal James Gilbey. Andrew and Sarah’s split was announced, and the divorce of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips was finalised. Sign up for the Royals newsletter Thank you! The late Queen used the now-famous phrase in a speech in November 1992, just four days after the Windsor blaze. She said of the year: “In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an ‘annus horribilis’.” Her Majesty’s nightmare year also saw Windsor Castle rocked by a fire Credit: AP The files remained secret through Queen Elizabeth’s reign and are still under lock and key Credit: AFP It is unclear exactly which files have been kept under lock and key instead of being handed over to archivists, or which of the Royal ­Family they concern. Royal secrecy powers have been used more often as controversies engulfed the family. The figures were obtained through a parliamentary question by Greens MP Sian Berry. Buckingham Palace did not comment. Most read in Royals Comment now