Maggie Thatcher wanted to make “gays in the Palace” a public issue. Queen Elizabeth told Thatcher to mind her own business.

In 1982, Commander Trestrail’s sexual orientation became public knowledge when Trestrail’s lover, tried to sell his story to a British newspaper leading to his forced resignation from the British Navy and as Queen’s Elizabeth II personal bodyguard for16 years. At the time, homosexuality was still considered a criminal offense in the United Kingdom, and being openly gay could result in severe consequences, especially within the ranks of the military.

The revelation of Trestrail’s homosexuality caused a stir, both within the military and in the wider society. It raised questions about the discriminatory practices prevalent at the time and the impact they had on the careers of LGBTQ+ individuals, even those in positions of authority.

Margaret Thatcher, the Prime Minister at the time, was known for her conservative values and her strong opposition to gay rights. Her government had not yet implemented the reforms that would decriminalize homosexuality, contributing to an environment of prejudice and discrimination. Thatcher’s reaction to the scandal involving Commander Trestrail was unsurprisingly unsympathetic.

Thatcher’s stance further exacerbated the situation. Her conservative ideologies and commitment to traditional values prevented her from taking a progressive stance on gay issues. Instead, she aligned herself with the prevailing prejudices of the time.

The involvement of Queen Elizabeth II in the scandal surrounding Commander Trestrail remains a subject of speculation. While there is no concrete evidence of her direct participation, it is widely believed that she was aware of the situation by Thatcher herself. The Queen’s position as the head of state and her role as the symbolic figurehead of the British armed forces made her proximity to the scandal all the more significant.

The impact of Queen Elizabeth’s awareness of Trestrail’s resignation added another layer of complexity to the incident. It raised questions about the monarchy’s stance on gay issues and whether the Queen’s knowledge implied a tacit approval or disapproval of Trestrail’s forced resignation.:

Commander Michael Trestrail’s resignation amid the gay scandal left a lasting impact on the Gay+ community and British society as a whole. It brought attention to the discrimination faced by Gay+ individuals in the military and highlighted the need for reforms in the armed forces’ policies.

In subsequent years, efforts were made to challenge and change the discriminatory practices that had affected individuals like Trestrail. The decriminalization of homosexuality in 1982 was an essential step forward toward achieving equality and acceptance.

The resignation of Commander Michael Trestrail amid a gay scandal in 1982 exposed the challenges faced by Gay+ individuals in positions of power. The incident underscored the prevailing prejudice and discriminatory practices within the military and society at large. The response of Prime Minister Margret Thatcher and the alleged awareness of Queen Elizabeth II further highlighted the struggle for acceptance and equal treatment faced by Gay+ individuals in the United Kingdom. The aftermath of the scandal served as a catalyst for change, leading to important reforms and a greater push for rights in subsequent years.