The long-guarded Secrets of Downing Street Visitors have been unveiled, and visitors’ books have been publicly released, signed by some of the most iconic figures in recent history. Spanning from 1970 to 2003, these books, housed in three red leather volumes, include the signatures of world leaders, members of the Royal Family, and other influential figures. The release by the National Archives provides a rare look into the private conversations that shaped British history, offering insight into those who once had the ear of prime ministers.
The journey of these books was not without drama. Earlier this year, one volume surfaced in a London auction, reportedly rescued from a waterlogged basement by a former civil servant. The government swiftly intervened, blocking its sale and asserting it as Crown property. Now officially available, these volumes hold fascinating insights into the Secrets of Downing Street Visitors, including private messages left for prominent leaders like Margaret Thatcher.
Dr. Jack Brown, a lecturer at King’s College London and former resident researcher at No. 10, described these books as “historical treasures.” Unlike casual guest books, these were reserved for special guests, capturing unique moments in time. For instance, in 1989, then-U.S. President George Bush wrote, “With Respect, Friendship and Gratitude,” emphasizing the “special relationship” between Britain and the U.S. His wife Barbara humorously added, “Me. Too.”
The Secrets of Downing Street Visitors also shed light on contentious relationships. French Prime Minister Michel Rocard’s 1989 entry noted, “It always is an extraordinary occasion to confront with the Prime Minister,” hinting at his diplomatic sparring with Thatcher. Early signatures include Royal Family members like the Queen and Prince Charles, while other pages feature figures like Idi Amin of Uganda, before his regime’s brutalities became known.
Secrets of Downing Street Visitors….
The books not only document receptions and anniversaries but also capture pivotal historical moments. President Mikhail Gorbachev’s 1989 state visit signature symbolizes the thawing Cold War tensions, while messages from Eastern European leaders in 1990 mark the rise of newly independent nations. Post-9/11, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani expressed heartfelt gratitude to Tony Blair for his unwavering support during a time of global peril.
Czech statesman Vaclav Havel, the first leader of Czechoslovakia after the fall of communism, signed while on a three-day visit to the UK in 1990
Dr. Brown described the collection as a “story of Britain’s place in the world,” with the Secrets of Downing Street Visitors telling a tale of power, diplomacy, and change over decades. Janet Street-Porter, a guest herself, emphasized the importance of transparency, advocating for publishing all guest lists to reveal who influences government decisions.
These books, once hidden behind closed doors, now stand as a remarkable historical record, unveiling the Secrets of Downing Street Visitors and their role in shaping global history.
US President George W Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush signed while on a visit to London in 1989
