A former guardsman reveals details of an incident involving Queen Elizabeth which occurred early one morning at Buckingham Palace.

According to an article in the British newspaper, The Times, the Queen couldn’t sleep so she had gone out for some fresh air during a late-night stroll.

However, the guard was reported to have shouted out when he saw a figure in the darkness walking around 3.00 am, which he thought was an intruder.

He was astonished to see the Queen, as he confessed he had nearly fired his weapon.

“Bloody hell, Your Majesty, I nearly shot you!”

Instead of a reprimand, the Queen replied,’ Next time I’ll ring through beforehand so you don’t have to shoot me.”

This incident occurred several years ago.

Or, was it, according to royal commentator Dickie Arbiter on Twitter, just a good example of a ripping recycled royal yarn?

That story was around when I still worked at #BuckinghamPalace & I retired from there in 2000. Still the ones are the best even if recycled https://t.co/bY1BxlCMkb

— Dickie Arbiter (@RoyalDickie) January 5, 2017