My ever allowing myself to be used by the Queen. I should have quizzed her a lot sooner than I did as to why she was leaving all of the dangerous work to me. It wasn't just because of the circumstances surrounding her accession I swear it. Even before she tragically lost her mother, she seemed to like others to do the dodgy, difficult or dangerous stuff. I should've realised I was being used earlier.
Your greatest strength?
Guts I suppose and determination to keep going. I've needed both to see me through a lot of dangerous situations. And the people know I'm honest. That has helped me in my dealings with them. It has also caused me trouble from the Queen and her Council but that has only confirmed to me I am on the right lines. Honesty usually does annoy the powerful. They never know how to handle it.
What would you change about yourself?
I know I'm stubborn. I'm aware that's sometimes a good thing as it helps me keep going but I also know it has got in my way, given me more difficulties than I needed. I need a better sense of perspective at times.