The Queen has suffered another 'annus horribilis' in 2021, according to a new documentary, but experts believe her struggles over the last year could actually strengthen the monarchy.
The monarch, 95, has been blighted with tragedies over the last 12 months - with husband Prince Philip dying in April, and her son Prince Andrews facing questions over his controversial friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.
Along with health complications, the royal has also faced family fallouts, with grandson Prince Harry moving to Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle, and the reportedly fraught relationship between the prince and his older brother William.
Charles Anson, the Queen's press secretary between 1990 and 1997, made the claims in new documentary 2021: The Queen's Horrible Year, which aired last night on Channel 5.
The Queen, pictured with a walking stick here in October 2021 attending a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey in London, has had a tough 2021
Despite a fraught year, multiple commentators believe the monarchy may emerge stronger, thanks to how Her Majesty has tackled many difficulties, including family in-fighting. The royal family, including 'feuding' brothers Harry and William, are seen in 2019 at Trooping The Colour
A major crisis facing the Monarchy controversy generated by Prince Andrew's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew has denied all allegations made against him
It branded 2021 another 'annus horribilis' - the phrase Queen Elizabeth famously used to describe 1992, which saw a major fire blaze through Windsor Castle, as well as the breakdown of Princess Anne and Prince Andrew's marriages.
The new programme, which charted theroyal's tumultuous year, featured a number of prominent royal commentators and insiders.
Among them was Charles Anson, the Queen's press secretary between 1990 and 1997.
Addressing the issue of whether the 'new annus horribilis' will weaken or strengthen the Monarchy, he said: 'The strength of our monarchy is that it is able to adapt.
'It's changing and I think providing the values are still there, it often changes for the better.'
Agreeing, Stewart Purvis, CBE, a former TV executive and documentary producer, added: 'In the last
