‘Annus horribilis’ rush to pay taxes
JOHN Major rushed out the news that the Queen would pay income tax to deflect the growing criticism of the monarchy in 1992.
The royals’ “annus horribilis” had seen marriage splits for Charles, Andrew and Anne, and a fire at Windsor Castle. On November 26, Mr Major told the Cabinet that the Queen had asked him months earlier to consider a tax on her private income.
He intended to reveal the move weeks later, but the minutes – released by the National Archives in London – note: “In light of recent unjustified media criticism of the Queen’s taxation position... he had decided to tell Parliament later that day.”