One of the most arresting images of former prime ministers is the annual National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. This year’s was no exception, with some of the coverage highlighting the record number of living former prime ministers, eight in total. That's captured in this image from Sky.
1975: ‘a little delicate’
As revealed by a file released by The National Archives in 2007, there had also been press interest in the 1975 National Service of Remembrance, with the New Statesman enquiring in what capacity Edward Heath had attended that year’s service. An official in the Home Office advised the Press Office that he had been invited in his capacity as a former prime minister and that such invitations had been extended to former prime ministers for many years.
It was not just Heath’s capacity that excited work for officials. So did the question of whether he would lay a wreath or not. He did not. This was in line with a decision in 1966 that former prime ministers should not lay wreaths. Also in 1966, The Queen had agreed that she would receive any former prime ministers who attended the remembrance services.
But, for students of ex-premiers, and of Heath, and of his relationship with Margaret Thatcher, the most important issue with which officials grappled in 1975 was where he would stand. Or more particularly next to whom he would stand. One official described the situation as ‘a little delicate’.
The ‘delicate’ issue related as to whether he would stand next to then prime minister, Harold Wilson, or whether he would stand next to the leader of the Liberal Party, Jeremy Thorpe. If he did the former, he would, of course, take precedence over the Leader of the Opposition, Margaret Thatcher. If he did the latter, it would set a new precedent. Previously, former prime ministers who attended the service, the last being Earl Attlee in 1964, had stood next to the prime minister.
The memo of 20 October
On 20 October 1975, officials working on the matter noted that if Heath were given precedence over Thatcher it ‘might provoke some adverse comment.’ They also noted that if the previous precedent were remembered ‘there may be adverse comment if it is not followed.’ It was also noted that if Heath were to be stood next to Thorpe, he would need to be told; and that if the previous precedent were followed ‘then it would seem advisable for the position to be explained to Mrs Thatcher before she receives the programme and her instructions.’
The memo of 23 October
The issue was escalated with a memo of 23 October noting ‘the sensitiveness of the situation’. The official who wrote the memo recognised it was effectively a ‘no-win’ situation, ‘This is one of those situations where, whichever course one takes, there is the likelihood of difficulty. It is all the more important, therefore, that we found our decision on some seemingly valid principle so that we have some defence against the criticisms.’ Their advice was to stick with the existing precedent on the grounds that ‘we should be better able to ward off any criticisms and justify the arrangement if we did this’. They noted too that ‘there are some good reasons why former Prime Ministers should stand next to the present Prime Minister whatever difficulties that might create as regards the Leader of the Opposition’, arguing that former prime ministers were ‘persons who have been the head of Her Majesty's Government in the past’.
The memo of 24 October
Another memo of 24 October saw another official argue, ‘On the merits of this matter, I entirely agree’. They went on, ‘I believe that the only justifiable line of action in a situation of this kind is to abide strictly by precedent. They noted, ‘Obviously, Mrs Thatcher ought to be warned, and I am not entirely certain how this would best be done; perhaps a private word from S of S or from the Prime Minister would be appropriate.’ Recognising how the matter might generate media interest, they went on, ‘We should also make certain that there is no misunderstanding by the press’. Their advice was to obtain the ‘S of S's views on the best handling’ of the issue.
The memo of 27 October
The then Home Secretary, Roy Jenkins, considered the matter. A note from his Principal Private Secretary of 27 October revealed his decision, ‘on the question of placing he inclines to the view that it would be better practice for this year and for the future were former Prime Ministers to be placed after the Prime Minister of the day and the Leaders of Opposition Parties.’ The note also revealed that Jenkins had spoken to Heath about it, ‘who accepts the position’, and that Heath had not expected to lay a wreath.
Conclusion
To quote an official on a memo about one of Margaret Thatcher’s post-prime ministerial visits abroad, ‘Relief all round!’. And another fascinating insight into the nuances of politics, and the Heath-Thatcher relationship, which was to continue throughout her time as Leader of the Opposition, Prime Minister, and as a former prime minister. On the latter, look out for more news in a couple of weeks.
And as for the current nuances of politics, the prime ministerial pairings as they departed this year's ceremony provide rich material.
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