Prince Philip is understood to “amused” at the revelation his old nickname from the 1950s and 60s is similar to the Palace’s codename for its coronavirus measures for himself and the Queen. The codename was created as royal aides scrambled to set up protections for himself and the Queen during lockdown, royal commentators have revealed. The experts spoke to Channel 5 documentary, ‘Secrets of the Royal Palaces’, about the Royal Family’s extra line of defence.
Journalist and author, Susie Boniface explained: “The Royal Household set up something known as ‘HMS Bubble’.
“It’s sort of a social bubble, if you like, within Windsor Castle.
“HMS Bubble consists of a team of 22 loyal staff members, who supported the Queen and the Duke through lockdown.
“It’s definitely a stripped down version of the huge amount of staff and courtiers she normally has.”
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HELLO! Royal Editor Emily Nash added: “Prince Philip was particularly amused by the use of the phrase ‘bubble’.
“Back in the 50s and 60s, he was referred to in some quarters as the ‘Big Bubble’, which was, of course, Cockney rhyming slang.
“‘Bubble and Squeak’ for ‘Greek’.”
Ms Boniface spoke more about what measures the Castle was taking to ensure safety.
Daily Mirror Royal Editor Russell Myers joked: “I don’t think she’ll be making her dinner quite yet.”
Before entering Windsor for their three week shift, every member of staff would have to undergo a week’s quarantine and COVID testing.
Former Royal Personal Protection Officer, Simon Morgan said: “You’re dealing with an invisible enemy with the virus.
“It only has to come in in that secure bubble that you’ve created.
“Getting it wrong is not an option.”
