Fashion

The True Story of Queen Elizabeth and Michael Fagan, the Palace Intruder

The Crown Season 4 revisits Michael Fagan’s infamous Buckingham Palace break-in. Here’s what really happened….

On July 9, 1982, at just around 7 a.m., Michael Fagan shimmied up a Buckingham Palace drainpipe all the way to a flat roof that was only a few feet away from the palace’s main building. He was barefoot, unshaven, and wearing only a sweatshirt and jeans. He climbed through an unlocked window and into the palace’s historic halls, undetected by cameras or security. Then he slipped into the chambers of Queen Elizabeth II.

Nearly 40 years later, the worst security breach in Buckingham Palace history is revisited in season four, episode five, of The Crown, “Fagan.” Instead of showing it from the queen’s perspective, creator Peter Morgan approaches it from the downtrodden eyes of Fagan. An unemployed decorator struggling with mental illness, he’s estranged from his wife, his children, and most of all, Thatcherism. He breaks into the queen’s bedroom because he wants her to know how people like him were left behind by the conservative, deregulated state. “She’s destroying the country,” he says of Thatcher. “The right to work, the right to be ill, the right to be old, the right to be frail, to be human—gone.”

The bones of the story line are true. An unemployed Fagan did break into Buckingham Palace, not once but twice. And the second time, he did wander into the queen’s bedroom for 10 uninterrupted minutes until she was able to get help.

But The Crown did take significant creative license. According to, well, Fagan himself: In a recent interview with The Telegraph, he recounted that they didn’t converse for very long at all. “‘What are you doing here?’” Fagan says the monarch asked when he pulled back her curtains. Furthermore, Scotland Yard’s incident report at the time said that, after two phone calls to the police, “Her Majesty attracted the attention of the maid, and together they ushered Fagan into a nearby pantry on the pretext of supplying him with a cigarette.”

Reports published immediately after the incident in 1982 fleshed out their conversation topics a bit more: The New York Times, for example, wrote that Fagan and the queen talked about Prince Charles. (This makes sense: Charles and Diana had just welcomed their first child, Prince William, weeks before.) A rant against conservatism and Thatcher, however? Not mentioned by any news outlet or even by Fagan himself.

One detail of The Crown’s depiction that is true? Fagan’s wine theft. During his first break in—where he also got in via drainpipe—he found himself in Buckingham Palace’s Room 108. It was being used to store gifts the public sent for the Prince and Princess of Wales’s baby. He found a bottle of Australian wine in the cabinet and poured himself a drink. “I was waiting to be captured,” he said during his trial for theft of the bottle of wine. (He was acquitted.) “I drank it because I was waiting for someone to come.” And, the second time around, someone certainly did.

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Artist Spotlight

Lizzo Stuns in Fishnet Glam, Embracing Confidence and TV Fandom

Lizzo is again serving looks and unapologetic confidence, taking to Instagram to show off her stunning weight loss in a bold and fashionable style. Rocking a short plaid skirt, a sleek black top, and fishnet tights, the chart-topping singer gave fans a glimpse of her glowing confidence and evolving fashion sense. But it wasn’t just the outfit that had people talking, it was Lizzo’s witty caption that added her signature flair. “Devour feculence,” she wrote, cheekily referencing a standout moment from Severance, the mind-bending series that has clearly left an impression on the star.

Fans flooded the comments with praise, celebrating her radiant appearance and her love for pop culture. “Love that reference! You look great!” one user raved, while another chimed in with admiration, “You look absolutely amazing, Lizzo.” But the self-love queen wasn’t done yet. In true Lizzo fashion, she kept the energy going with another playful post. This time, she rocked a black t-shirt and matching underwear, embracing her curves and flashing a confident smile. With humor at the forefront, she captioned the shot, “Me, myself & all my memes: (I still haven’t seen the season finale of Severance).”

The lighthearted self-roast resonated with her followers, many of whom praised her for celebrating both her body and her interests. Lizzo’s openness has always been a core part of her brand. From advocating for body positivity to promoting mental well-being, the “Good as Hell” singer continuously inspires fans to embrace themselves fully. Her recent posts are a reflection of that journey, one where self-love and joy are celebrated without reservation. And while some may be eager to dissect her weight loss, Lizzo’s focus remains on her happiness and self-expression.

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Artist Spotlight

Rare Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample Hits the Market

Sneaker culture is all about exclusivity, and sometimes, a truly special pair comes along that gets everyone excited. One such sneaker is the Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample, a unique blend of basketball history and baseball style. With its striking look and connections to two famous sports worlds, this rare sneaker has just hit the resale market, and collectors are eager to get their hands on it. Originally created for basketball star Penny Hardaway, the Foamposite One became a staple of ’90s sneaker fashion. Its innovative design was groundbreaking at the time.

However, this special Yankees-themed version takes it a step further. It features a deep navy blue and bright white color scheme, resembling the classic pinstripes of the New York Yankees, one of the most celebrated teams in baseball. The unique wave design that runs across the upper part makes this sneaker stand out, giving it a dynamic look and feel. Unlike the regular versions sold in stores, this sample was never mass-produced, which adds to its appeal among collectors and passionate Yankees fans. Currently listed on Index PDX in size 9 for an impressive $3,500, the price reflects how rare it is.

However, what really matters is the story behind it. From basketball courts to everyday life, the Foamposite One has always been a symbol of performance and fashion. This Yankees edition connects two sports that have captured the hearts of fans for generations. For those lucky enough to own this sneaker, it’s a statement piece. It showcases Nike’s dedication to exploring and celebrating sports culture. Whether proudly displayed or worn to show off hometown pride, the Yankees Foamposite One serves as a reminder of the unforgettable moments shared between basketball and baseball.

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