Behind the regal and often stoic public persona, Queen Elizabeth II harbored a surprisingly vibrant and “extremely funny” sense of humor, a trait increasingly evident in the later years of her remarkable 70-year reign. Esteemed royal authors and close confidantes have begun to shed light on this delightful aspect of her personality, revealing a monarch who was not only witty but also a “first-class mimic.” This hidden facet of her character offers a more intimate glimpse into the life of the British Monarchy‘s longest-reigning sovereign, challenging conventional perceptions.
Ingrid Seward, a highly respected royal biographer with four decades of experience observing the Royal Family, provides compelling insights in her 2023 book, “My Mother And I.” Seward notes that the Queen’s stern look, an inheritance from her grandmother Queen Mary, often masked a wonderful sense of humor that became more apparent with age. This keen observational wit was primarily reserved for private moments, allowing the Queen to express candid opinions and enjoy a bit of “chit-chat” from her immediate staff, who diligently saved gossip from every corner of her various residences.
A particularly fascinating aspect of the Queen’s comedic talent was her exceptional ability as a mimic. Seward highlights her skill in impersonating politicians, a talent she honed away from their direct gaze, often delighting her inner circle. This talent for impersonation was echoed by royal biographer Gyles Brandreth, who first met the Queen in 1968. Brandreth, having witnessed her comedic prowess firsthand, noted that this instinctive and self-deprecating wit was as integral to Queen Elizabeth II’s personality as her iconic fashion sense or radiant smile.
Further testament to her royal humor comes from Angela Kelly, the Queen’s dresser and close confidante, who affirmed the monarch’s “wicked sense of humor” and her ability to perform “all accents,” including Kelly’s own. This versatility in mimicry even extended to self-deprecating humor, famously demonstrated when the Queen observed a video of herself and called out to Prince Philip, “Oh Philip, do look! I’ve got my Miss Piggy face on.” This anecdote, later reinforced by a birthday card from palace staff featuring the muppet, perfectly illustrates her ability to laugh at herself.
The Queen’s willingness to engage in public comedic appearances also underscored her playful spirit. Her surprise cameo alongside Paddington Bear for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations captivated audiences worldwide. This meticulously planned, two-and-a-half-minute sketch, filmed at Windsor Castle, saw the duffle-coat-wearing bear and the monarch enjoying a chaotic cream tea, a moment of pure delight that even surprised some of her closest family members. This memorable performance cemented her image as a monarch capable of connecting with the public through royal humor.
Another iconic example of her comedic timing was her participation in a comedy skit with Daniel Craig as James Bond for the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. This unprecedented film role saw the Queen, aged 86, interact with 007 at Buckingham Palace before seemingly parachuting into the Olympic stadium. Director Danny Boyle praised her for making herself “more accessible than ever before,” proving that the elderly monarch possessed a remarkable sense of humor and a willingness to break traditional protocol for a moment of global amusement.
Even during formal engagements, the Queen’s wit would occasionally shine through. At the 2021 G7 Summit in Cornwall, she playfully asked world leaders, “Are you supposed to be looking as if you’re enjoying yourselves?” eliciting widespread laughter. Later, while cutting a cake with a ceremonial sword, she famously quipped, “I know there is [a knife], but this is more unusual,” when offered a conventional knife, leaving her audience in stitches. Such moments, often spontaneous, highlighted her innate ability to lighten the mood and demonstrate her authentic personality. These stories, documented by esteemed figures like Gyles Brandreth and Ingrid Seward, paint a richer portrait of the monarch.
Ultimately, Queen Elizabeth II’s profound sense of humor was not merely a personal quirk but an intrinsic part of her character that endeared her to millions. It was a tool for connection, a source of joy, and, as Ingrid Seward suggested, even a “secret” to her enduring and happy marriage with Prince Philip. Her ability to deliver a joke and, perhaps more importantly, to take one, demonstrated a grounded and approachable side to a figure often perceived as distant. Through these anecdotes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the Queen’s remarkable personality and her enduring legacy.
Leave a Reply