British government officials have imposed 97 secrecy orders on royal documents from 1992, the year Queen Elizabeth II famously described as her “annus horribilis.” Originally scheduled for release to the National Archives in 2017, these files have remained inaccessible for nearly a decade, raising questions about the scope of information being withheld.

The year 1992 was marked by a series of significant and challenging events within the British royal family. The separation of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, became public knowledge, while the fire that severely damaged Windsor Castle caused widespread concern. Additionally, the leak of the "Squidgygate" tapes, which recorded a private conversation between Diana and her friend James Gilbey, further intensified public scrutiny. That same year, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson announced their separation, and Princess Anne finalized her divorce from Mark Phillips.

The phrase “annus horribilis” was coined by Queen Elizabeth II in a speech delivered in November 1992, just days after the Windsor Castle fire, reflecting on the series of personal and institutional challenges the monarchy faced.

Details surrounding which specific documents have been subject to these secrecy orders remain unclear, including which members of the royal family the files pertain to. The use of royal secrecy powers has reportedly increased as the monarchy has dealt with heightened scrutiny and controversy in recent decades.

The information on the secrecy orders was disclosed following a parliamentary inquiry initiated by Sian Berry, a member of the Green Party. Buckingham Palace has declined to provide any comment on the matter. The continued restriction of these historical documents highlights ongoing tensions between governmental transparency and royal confidentiality in the United Kingdom.