The Shadow Court of HM Queen Elizabeth II

[Icelander]

Originally Posted by Brett

On the little we know about him he is easily fictionalised into a character with a very strange background. Harrow means connections with the wealthy and titled. Sandhurst means training as an Army officer. Going from Sandhurst into the Colonial Office rather than the Army suggests the intelligence service. Secret service in Kenya during the Mau-Mau uprising allows for some very, very murky experiences.

I like it. The Shadow Court was initially very much a private intelligence service; recollecting an earlier Elizabeth and her courtiers.

Originally Posted by Brett

Then he retreats into the clergy, but peace eludes him: They need him for something that calls for ordination into episcopal rank, but not having a diocese to look after. When that is done, they moving him over to Windsor for routine access to the Royal Family.

Whatever this involved, it wouldn't have anything to do with the supernatural, as in the 70s, the world wasn't any more magical than ours. I prefer the idea that it was a reward which allowed him to retire with dignity, after some very bad experiences. Being assigned to Windsor would then mark his return to active religious life, wiser and more compassionate toward the mental anguish of his flock for his own experience of mental scars.

An ideal confidant for a Queen dealing with some truly mind-shattering revealations and doubts, in the early stages. The more so because he had a record of extreme confidentiality and loyalty in the service of the Crown, aside from his duty as a priest.

Originally Posted by Brett

And when it is all done, he gets a KCVO, the highest possible award for personal service to HM.

Now that could have been granted after becoming a member of the Shadow Court.