LONDON: For the first time, visitors’ books from Britain’s iconic 10 Downing Street have been made public, offering a fascinating glimpse into decades of high-profile meetings and illustrious guests.
The National Archives released the collection, which spans from 1970, during Edward Heath’s tenure as prime minister, to 2003, when Tony Blair held office. This treasure trove of history features signatures from global icons, including Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, and a host of US presidents.
Among the notable entries, Mandela’s heartfelt note in 1996 reads, “Visiting Downing St, No 10, is always an unforgettable experience.” Meanwhile, former Czech leader Václav Havel added a whimsical heart under his signature in 1990.
The books also highlight royal visits, with Queen Elizabeth signing “Elizabeth R” (short for Regina, meaning queen in Latin), while King Charles III and Princess Diana opted for simpler signatures: “Charles” and “Diana.”
US presidents left their mark, too, with Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush all penning messages. In 1989, George H.W. Bush wrote a warm note of respect and gratitude, to which his wife, Barbara, simply added, “Me too.”
The records also capture moments of political significance. In 1985, during the 250th anniversary of 10 Downing Street, Margaret Thatcher and five of her living predecessors signed a commemorative page.
From celebrated leaders like Ethiopia’s Haile Selassie and India’s Indira Gandhi to controversial figures like Uganda’s Idi Amin and Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, the books reflect a broad spectrum of history.
The existence of these volumes came to light earlier this year when one was set to be auctioned. The seller, a retired civil servant, claimed to have found it among flood-damaged boxes he was permitted to remove. Estimated to fetch £15,000 ($18,800), the sale was halted after the government declared the books public property under the Public Records Act.
The release of these records provides a rare and colorful window into the personalities and events that have shaped Britain and the world from behind the doors of 10 Downing Street.
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