Backstairs Billy

"From humble beginnings as a shopkeeper's son in Coventry to 'Page of the Backstairs' at Clarence House, William Tallon, or 'Backstairs Billy' as hecame to be known, always knew he was destined for a life in the royal circle ... Charming, loyal, promiscuous and in possession of a truly wicked sense of humour, Billy entered royal service at the age of fifteen and, over the next fifty years, became on e of the most notorious figues, and most remarkable characters, ever to have graced the royal household. Although nominally a servant, over time Billy became one of the Queen Mother's most trusted…