Riots raise royal fears for jubilee

There may have been no rioting in the Highlands, but no one has been watching the arson and looting of Britain’s cities more closely than the Queen.

With fewer than six months to her Diamond Jubilee, when celebrations are planned for the length and breadth of the kingdom, the disorder has alarmed aides planning the extravaganza.

Central to their concern is not just the damage to the country’s image overseas, but also how quickly the feelgood factor engendered by April’s Royal Wedding has been lost.

From her summer home in Balmoral, the Queen has kept in touch with developments and plans are being put in place for an appropriate royal response to the riots. This will almost certainly mean a high-profile visit by a senior member of the family to communities hit by the violence and to the emergency services.

Thirty years ago, when riots erupted in London and Liverpool, Prince Charles became the national focus for inner-city regeneration. However, courtiers may consider that Prince William, whose wedding brought so much goodwill to the country, may be the appropriate figure.

“There is no doubt that the extraordinary feeling of national unity the wedding generated suddenly seems to have evaporated,” says a royal adviser. “The ugly scenes of the past few days are troubling for all those planning next year’s jubilee.”

The royals are also concerned not to be seen to be out of touch in a month forever associated with their response to the death of Princess Diana in August 1997.

Millions are expected to take to the streets to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession - which officially falls on February 6 - swiftly followed by the Olympics. “The games are important for Britain, but the jubilee is important to Britain,” says the aide.

As the symbol of national cohesion, the Queen will have been dismayed by this week’s orgy of destruction.

Last night, Downing Street refused to say if the Prime Minister had briefed the Queen on the trouble. A spokesman said: “What I can say is that No10 and the Palace are in regular contact.” - Daily Mail