Tattoo loses Royals after telling 'too old' Queen to mind her step

IT WAS probably done with the best of intentions. But the organisers of a spectacular military show, who voiced fears that the Queen and Prince Philip are too old to tackle a flight of stairs, are reaping the whirlwind – they have pulled out altogether.

Queen Elizabeth, 83, and the Duke of Edinburgh, 88, were both due to attend the opening ceremony of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, the world's largest indoor gathering of its type, in Halifax in July as part of an official visit.

But bizarre correspondence shows a behind-the-scenes row between Tattoo organisers terrified that the monarch might have an accident at their event and Canadian representatives of the Queen who insisted the Royal couple were perfectly fit to carry out their duties and mount steps to the main stage.

During the planning process earlier this year, the Queen's Canadian Secretary, Kevin MacLeod, proposed that Her Royal Highness should address the audience and thousands of pipers and performers from the stage of the venue in Halifax's Metro Centre.

But a report by Tattoo organisers claimed that going up and down the 17 stairs that lead to the 12ft-high stage would be too hazardous for the Royal couple.

They also warned of a breach of Royal protocol, saying that the narrow stairs would be shared with performers, meaning the chances of "accidental touching" were "high".

The organisers informed MacLeod of their concerns, but claim he was adamant that the Queen should be allowed to climb the stairs, arguing that her presence on the stage would make a marvellous photo-opportunity.

A report compiled by Ian Fraser, the show's artistic director, suggests that MacLeod was unmoved by their concerns about the Queen's safety on the curved stairs, which do not have a handrail and go up at an angle of 60 degrees.

"Despite this warning," Fraser's report said, "Mr MacLeod did not agree and stated 'You cannot prepare for every eventuality – a typhoon might happen'."

The report, seen by Scotland on Sunday, quotes Tattoo staff who looked into the issue, and says that mounting the steps would be "very, very dangerous" for the Royal couple.

The staircase described as "theatrical steps" is used by fanfare trumpeters during the show. The intervals between the steps are slightly higher than those of household stairs.

One member of the Tattoo staff said it would be "madness" for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to tackle the steps.

"The ascent and descent of the stage would be undignified and the potential for disaster is very high," the report said.

"This suggestion is therefore impractical, particularly unsafe and potentially very dangerous for HM and HRH. The potential publicity from any incident would also be disastrous for both the show and the Province."

Another staff member said: "Because of their age, I feel it would be totally unsafe and reckless to have them climb up and down those steps. It could be like a disaster looking for a place to happen."

The report added: "The stairs to the first level are steep with a large lift and not an easy climb for anyone, let alone someone of her age. The Queen may have less a problem with the stairs than Philip."

According to Fraser, MacLeod – who is based in the Canadian capital of Ottowa – insisted that the Queen should be allowed on the stage and refused any sort of compromise. "The Canadian Secretary said it was the expressed wish of Buckingham Palace (that she should take to the stage] and if we wouldn't allow her to do it, she wouldn't be there," Fraser said. Fraser claimed that Ottowan officials then referred the decision to officials at Nova Scotia's House of Assembly.

The Tattoo wrote to the office of Nova Scotia's premier, Darrell Dexter, confirming their objection to the Queen using the stairs and suggested alternative arrangements, including the option of her making a speech from the Royal Box.

But they then heard back from Florence Sassine, the Nova Scotia Director of Protocol. Fraser said: "We were firmly informed that 'No, I'm sorry. The matter's closed and the decision has been taken. She (the Queen] will not be attending the Tattoo.' The position of the province was that – this is the wish of Buckingham Palace – that she goes on to the stage.

"If it is a condition (to use the stairs] for her to turn up then we can't accept it."

He added: "Do people still get their heads chopped off for defying the Queen?"

The Tattoo, which this year is marking the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Canadian Navy, was a favourite of the Queen Mother and was granted Royal patronage in 2006 when the Queen celebrated her 80th birthday.

Yesterday, Sassine's office said security issues meant that no comment would be made on the forthcoming royal visit.

A spokesman for the Canadian Government's Department of Canadian Heritage said: "The Government of Canada is delighted that Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh have accepted the Government's invitation to visit Canada in 2010.

"We cannot comment on the planning process or itinerary for the royal visit. The exact locations and programme for this royal visit will be published at a later date."

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "Many different events are initially considered for an overseas visit but the Tattoo is not in the Queen's programme."