We find the royal family to be endlessly fascinating with all of their pomp and circumstance, but what personal details do we know about them? The missing pieces are filled in by Thomas Blaikie’s book, “What A Thing To Say To The Queen: A Collection Of Royal Anecdotes From The House Of Windsor”
He has gathered heartwarming and humorous anecdotes about the most well-known family in the world.
Discover some of the most endearing and vibrant stories to have come out of Buckingham Palace by continuing to scroll down:
The Queen
The Queen had a collection of pepper mills once. One of her favorites was a plastic waiter-shaped gift from an Italian restaurant that she received from a friend.
It screams, “You’re breaking my neck!” in an ironic Italian accent as soon as you turn it to look for pepper, which the Queen reportedly thought was very funny.
The Queen
When the late Queen arrived at the 1991 Royal Windsor Horse show, a guard said, “Sorry, love, you can’t come in without a sticker.”
The incident didn’t seem to phase Her Majesty, who responded, “I think if you check, I will be allowed to come in!” Later, the guard acknowledged that he mistook her for “some old dear” who had gone missing.
The Queen
Princess Elizabeth, also known as Lilibet, used to ask for Christmas presents from discount chain Woolworths when she was younger.
The Queen and Prince Philip
The Queen and Prince Philip celebrated her birthday in Rome not long after their marriage. She had wanted to celebrate with a quiet dinner at a restaurant, but Philip had planned a lavish party at the Embassy.
Philip had so irritated the Queen that she avoided talking to him for a few days.
The Queen
The Queen’s handbag was filled with family portraits and little dogs and horses that her kids had made as good luck charms. Its use as a signaling device was another reason it never left her side.
Her wish to depart in five minutes was indicated by her placing it on the table. She had to move on and speak to someone else when they switched arms.
Prince William
Prince William is such a fan that at his wedding reception to Kate Middleton, a second cake consisting solely of McVitie’s chocolate biscuits was served.
The Queen
The Queen, who was known for her vibrant wardrobe, once said, “I can’t wear beige because people won’t know who I am.”
The Queen
The Queen would practise for the State Opening of Parliament by wearing an equivalent-weight sack of flour on her head when the Imperial State Crown was not available (it is normally on display at the Tower of London).
Princess Margaret
“Run him down!” If Princess Margaret happened to spot her elderly neighbor Tommy Lascelles at Kensington Palace, she would call for her chauffeur.
He opposed the Queen’s friendship with Group Captain Peter Townsend, who was divorced, in his capacity as her private secretary. The Princess blamed Tommy for ruining her life after she was forced to part from her lover.
The Queen
When the Queen came to the United States in 1991 on a state visit, she had trouble seeing over the top of a podium while giving her speech.
The Queen was to stand on a small platform that President George W. Bush Sr. had been asked to pull out. However, the audience was only able to see “a talking hat” as Bush forgot to do so.
The Queen
The Queen and her racing companions were having lunch at Windsor Castle. She said, “Boeing 747,” as the aircraft passed overhead. She continued, “That’s an Airbus.”
Windsor is directly adjacent to Heathrow, so you can always hear the planes roaring past. In the past, the Queen could distinguish between each type based on its unique sound.
King Charles
Charles frequently nods off during dinner parties. Knowing hosts carry on conversing without anyone noticing. It’s said that even two minutes “out” will fully recharge him.
The Queen
A junior footman took the Queen’s chair away one Christmas Day, believing she was getting up from the table.
Sadly, she wasn’t, and the Queen collapsed to the ground as she attempted to sit down again. Startled but unfazed, the Queen quickly shared her family’s amusement.
The Queen
When Princess Elizabeth was a young adult, she relished a cup of tea and bacon and eggs for breakfast.
The Queen Mother
The Queen Mother’s attendants would frequently try on the hats in her amazing collection just for fun.
After learning of it, she informed the employees, saying, “I quite understand if you want to wear my hats and other things, but do try to put them back where you found them!”
Prince Philip
Prince Philip had instructed his valet to feed him sandwiches while he drove so as not to be late.
Prince Harry
At Sandringham, a courtier once informed a young Prince Harry, “The Queen will be here at teatime.” “Who’s the Queen?” he inquired.
The Queen
When Princess Elizabeth was younger, she got tired of writing out columns of verbs in her French lessons and once poured a bottle of ink over her head in protest.
The Queen
Michael Fagan was the burglar who had broken into her bedroom in 1982, but he was removed, and the Queen made herself comfortable in her bed to have her tea on schedule.
