The Queen once stayed at a country inn after becoming stranded in a freak storm
It's assumed Her Majesty the Queen is constantly surrounded in luxury, with access to the best accommodation money can buy.
But Queen Elizabeth was once forced to take refuge in a country inn, where a room costs just $100AUD, when she became stranded in a freak blizzard.
It happened back in December 1981, when the monarch was driving back to Windsor Castle after visiting Princess Anne at Gatcombe Park. The weather suddenly turned and the Queen, along with her two chauffeurs, two detectives, a lady in waiting and an aide, became stuck in the snow.
The Cross Hands Hotel, where Queen Elizabeth once took shelter during a storm in 1981. Cross Hands Hotel
They were in the Cotswold village of Chipping Sodbury, and came across the 16th-century Cross Hands Hotel.
Former manager Roberto Cadei recounted the incredible story to the New York Times, saying he and his wife, Heather, usually went out on Sunday afternoons but due to the weather decided to stay in. They had planned to watch a rerun of Prince Charles's wedding to Lady Diana Spencer, as they had missed it at the time.
However, their two-star bed and breakfast soon became busy with guests who were forced to abandon their cars and find accommodation for the night.
''I couldn't believe anyone would be out in that weather,'' he told the Times.
Queen Elizabeth pictured here in 1981 at the Windsor Horse Show. Getty
With just one room upstairs left, Mr Cadei soon had a distinguished man enter the inn and say, ''I wish to inform you that Her Majesty the Queen is outside. Could you accommodate her too?''
''I must have been the only woman who ever received the Queen in her old blue jeans and sweatshirt,'' Mrs. Cadei said. ''We didn't have time to be nervous or fuss. I just made her a cup of tea and prepared the table for her to eat.''
According to Buckingham Palace, it was the first time the Queen had arrived unscheduled, unannounced, at a hotel.
Her Majesty was 55 at the time and was smuggled into the inn via a back staircase, which Mr Cadei had to quickly clear the snow from. The Queen's security detail wanted to keep her visit secret from the rest of the guests.
One of the rooms available to stay at inside the Cross Hands Hotel. Cross Hands Hotel
Unfortunately, Queen Elizabeth didn't stay the night, choosing to leave just before midnight when the weather cleared – around seven hours after her arrival. During her time there, she stayed inside Room 15 and went to the Cadeis' private apartment for dinner and to make calls, as the regular rooms didn't have telephones.
Mrs Cadei still has the crockery and cutlery used by Her Majesty, which she keeps boxed up as souvenirs.
As for the Cross Hands, once word got out of its royal visitor, business boomed.
If you fancy staying where the monarch took shelter, the B&B is still in business – but we're sure Room 15 is booked out well in advance!
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