Queen Mother 's royal courtier William Tallon was known as Backstairs Billy . Rose from impoverished beginnings to become her confidant and friend . But he also breached protocol and brought young men to Clarence House . He had a reputation for being an alcoholic, but his wife Lady Diana liked him so much she gave up drinking herself in order to be with him.
Queen Mother 's royal courtier William Tallon was known as Backstairs Billy . Rose from impoverished beginnings to become her confidant and friend . But he also breached protocol and brought young men to Clarence House . Other courtiers took revenge by banishing him from Queen Mother 's side . Also denied her request that he should be allowed to live at Clarence House for the rest of his life .