In her new autobiography, Nicola Sturgeon reveals some surprising and personal insights into her private meetings with the late Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle.
Far from the formal image most people picture, Sturgeon describes these encounters as relaxed, chatty, and revealing of the Queen’s curious and even playful nature.
The Queen’s Interest in Alex Salmond’s Scandal Caught Sturgeon Off Guard
One moment that stood out to Sturgeon was when the Queen immediately asked her about the allegations of sexual misconduct against Alex Salmond just weeks after the claims first surfaced in 2018.
Sturgeon admitted she was surprised but appreciated the Queen’s genuine interest, describing her as someone who “loved a bit of gossip” and wanted to understand the story behind the political headlines.
A Republican Who Found Herself Impressed by the Monarch’s Presence
Despite describing herself as a republican “at heart and by instinct,” Sturgeon expresses deep admiration for the late Queen.
She recalls being struck by the aura and mystique the monarch carried — something she felt no other royal family member possessed.
Though she found some royal protocols, like kneeling and kissing the monarch’s hand to join the Privy Council, “strange,” her private time with the Queen remains one of her life’s great privileges.
Candid Thoughts on Prince William and Political Dynamics
Sturgeon doesn’t hold back criticism either, particularly regarding Prince William, now Prince of Wales.
She called his office “disingenuous” after it was revealed he had secretly met former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown for “balance” on the independence debate, a move Sturgeon felt was unfair and unnecessary.
Other Revelations from Sturgeon’s New Memoir
The book, which officially releases this Thursday but was available early in some Scottish bookstores, includes other personal and political insights, such as:
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Describing her difficult experience with the controversy over proposed gender reforms as “one of the most bruising episodes” of her political career.
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Condemning JK Rowling’s protest t-shirt about her as a “stunt” that did little to advance the conversation.
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Comparing a phone call with former US President Donald Trump to “a bad acid dream.”
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Revealing that Sir Sean Connery once gave her speaking lessons and encouraged her to deepen her voice.
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Admitting she still feels “haunted” by decisions during the Covid pandemic, especially over care home policies, and acknowledges the lasting emotional toll.
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Reflecting on the sex misconduct allegations against Alex Salmond, explaining how the investigation was eventually deemed unfair and biased, and that Salmond won back legal fees.
Sturgeon Prepares to Step Down Amid Reflection on Her Career
Nicola Sturgeon, who plans to step down as an MSP next year, uses the book to reflect deeply on the challenges she’s faced, the highs and lows of leadership, and the complex relationships she’s had with figures across the political and royal spectrums.
