Alastair Stewart gave a rare insight into security measures at Buckingham Palace on the first episode of GB News’ new podcast The Royal Record.
The 71-year-old spoke about his recent “thrilling” visit to the palace for a reception held by Queen Camilla to mark the 90th anniversary of the charity Brooke.
Speaking to GB News’ Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker and Royal Editor of GB News.com Svar Nanan-Sen on the podcast, Alastair described driving up to a gate outside the palace with his wife, Sally.
He said: “Sally drove up and the police all immediately leapt out and we had a sticker in the window that meant we were entitled to go in which I’d never, ever done before although I’ve been to the palace a few times.”
Describing the police as “absolutely lovely and charming,” Alastair recounted how the officers made security checks in and around the car.
Alastair explained: “They checked the car, they checked the boot, the normal security things and they did absolutely charmingly.”
The Queen hosted the reception to celebrate the work of Brooke, a UK-based international horse and donkey charity, established by Dorothy Brooke in the early 1930s.
Alastair continued to describe his journey through the grounds of the palace stating: “We went through the narrow little way into the beautiful courtyard, which viewers will be familiar with because it’s by that beautiful glass canopy where the open carriages draw up for things like the state opening of Parliament, royal wedding and stuff like that.”
Finally, Alastair parked at the “entrance that the Prime Minister uses when he or she goes in for the weekly audience.”
During his visit to the palace, Alastair was greeted by footmen who he described as “so kind and courteous.”
He explained: “They see literally hundreds of people from across the spectrum and yet they sense that for you, this is a big deal.
“And they do everything within their power to make you feel comfortable. But to make it clear that it’s a very special occasion.”
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Thousands of people are invited to Buckingham Palace every year as guests to State Banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and garden parties.
When visiting the palace, the “only rule of engagement” is that you “couldn’t take your mobile phone in and take happy snaps,” according to Alastair.
Alastair added: “Which you can do if you’re doing the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.”
Alastair Stewart worked as a newsreader for ITV News for more than 35 years before joining GB News in 2021 and announcing his retirement as a regular broadcaster in March 2023.