Buckingham Palace dragged into a row with historians over the fate of the late ... trends now

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Buckingham Palace has been dragged into a row with academics over the fate of the late Queen’s personal letters and diaries.

The Mail on Sunday revealed that the King has entrusted loyal Palace aide Paul Whybrew, known as Tall Paul, to sort through the Queen’s private papers before they are transferred to the Royal archive in Windsor. 

But academics have described the decision as ‘deeply concerning’, fearing that vital historic documents may be suppressed – or even destroyed – without public knowledge.

A year on from the Queen’s death, an announcement has yet to be made over which historian will be granted the job of writing Elizabeth II’s official biography.

It means that, for now at least, Palace courtiers rather than highly skilled impartial experts are left to decide what ought to be kept and what should be destroyed. 

History lecturer Dr Alison McClean from the University of Bristol said: ‘The late Queen’s diaries have the potential to become a significant historical resource.