After Camillagate, a fire at Windsor Castle & marriage problems in her family, Queen Elizabeth II dubbed this
The Final Jeopardy category for Thursday, January 30, 2025, was Latin Phrases. The clue asked, “After Camillagate, a fire at Windsor Castle & marriage problems in her family, Queen Elizabeth II dubbed this.”
What is Annus Horribilis?
The Latin phrase “annus horribilis” translates to “horrible year” in English. It is used to describe a year filled with adversity, crisis, or personal or national misfortune. The phrase is often contrasted with “annus mirabilis,” which means “wonderful year” and refers to a period of great success or happiness. Although the phrase has existed in Latin for centuries, it became widely recognized in modern times after Queen Elizabeth II used it to describe the tumultuous events of 1992.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Use of the Term
Queen Elizabeth II first used the phrase “annus horribilis” in a speech at Guildhall in London on November 24, 1992, marking the 40th anniversary of her accession to the throne. In her speech, she reflected on the difficulties faced by the royal family that year and stated, “1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an ‘annus horribilis’.” Her use of the phrase underscored the immense personal and public challenges she and the monarchy endured that year.
The Events That Defined 1992
Several major crises contributed to Queen Elizabeth II’s characterization of 1992 as an “annus horribilis.” One of the most damaging scandals was “Camillagate,” a leaked intimate phone conversation between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, which surfaced in late 1992 and severely tarnished the public image of the Prince of Wales. The royal family also experienced significant marital turmoil, with the separations of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. Additionally, Princess Anne divorced her first husband, Mark Phillips, further compounding the royal family’s difficulties that year.
Beyond family matters, a devastating fire at Windsor Castle in November 1992 caused extensive damage to the historic residence, requiring years of costly restoration. The fire, combined with mounting public criticism of the royal family’s finances, led to a significant shift in how the monarchy handled its financial responsibilities, including Queen Elizabeth II agreeing to pay income tax for the first time.
The Lasting Impact of “Annus Horribilis”
The events of 1992 marked a turning point for the British monarchy, as it faced unprecedented scrutiny and public dissatisfaction. The phrase “annus horribilis” has since become synonymous with any year marked by significant misfortune, and it is frequently referenced when discussing periods of crisis in politics, business, and personal life. Although the royal family eventually recovered from the setbacks of 1992, Queen Elizabeth II’s use of the phrase remains one of the most memorable moments of her reign, reflecting her ability to acknowledge difficulties while maintaining the dignity of the monarchy.