Evelyn Muir-Bel remembered her time working with the Royal Family as she turns 103 (Picture: SWNS)
A woman who worked for the Queen has remembered how Prince Andrew was ‘always in trouble’ as a child.
Evelyn Muir-Bel was the manager of the China Museum, a part of The Royal Collection, at Windsor Castle between 1973 and 1995.
She once told a young boy off for picking up some of the precious china she was taking care of.
But the little boy ended up being Prince Andrew, who she didn’t recognise without her glasses on.
She said the Queen’s second son was ‘always in trouble because he left his towels lying around’.
Evelyn went on to hint that Princess Anne was the favourite with staff when she said: ‘All household thought the real princess was Anne.’
Evelyn turned 103 this week, becoming the oldest-living former Royal Household staff member.
Evelyn was the manager of the China Museum at Windsor Castle for 20 years (pictured here in the 1950s) (Picture: SWNS)
Evelyn wearing clothing that resembles what she would have worn while working for the Queen (Picture: SWNS)
She is living with dementia at Stratton Court care home in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, but this has not affected her memory of the ‘gracious’ Queen.
‘There was no arrogance – the Queen was a real human, nice person,’ she said.
She also remembers how Prince Philip used to give gifts to the whole household during Christmas – often asking what people wanted.
Ironically, despite being in charge of porcelain china, Evelyn once asked for some plastic plates and bowls for her grandchildren to use.
The Queen thought this was a ‘sterling idea’ and Evelyn’s great-grandchildren still use the Royal Couple’s gifts today.
Evelyn’s family has a long history of serving the Royals.
Evelyn once received a letter thanking her for her help during a fire at Windsor Castle (Picture: SWNS)
Her dad-in-law was superintendent of the Mews and taught the Queen and Princess Margaret to ride horses.
Evelyn followed in her relatives’ footsteps and worked for the Royal Family for 20 years.
‘I did my best to do as I was told,’ she said.
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When a fire broke out at Windsor Castle in 1992, Evelyn stayed all day and all night to help save the priceless paintings and china.
She received a letter from the Royals thanking her for her efforts.
Evelyn’s dementia means that some days, she forgets Queen Elizabeth has died – something she was saddened to hear about at the time.
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The former Windsor Castle worker hinted that Princess Anne was the favourite.
