Queen Elizabeth II: Behind Closed Doors

While the world remembers Queen Elizabeth II for her steadfast dedication to duty and rigorous public service, there is much less known about her personal life and the unique characteristics that made her an enigma to many. The late Queen, who passed away on September 8, 2022, was much more than a figurehead of the British monarchy. She had a keen sense of humor, appreciated practical jokes, and preferred to keep her private life private.

A Sensitive Humor and Practical Jokes

One of the less publicized aspects of Queen Elizabeth II’s personality was her sense of humor. She was known to love a good joke and did not take herself too seriously. The Queen often enjoyed practical jokes, which allowed her to let loose from the pressures of public life. According to those who knew her well, the Queen was a good imitator and could mimic various Heads of State with whom she interacted. Her sense of humor and ability to crack jokes, even in tense or formal situations, showcased a side of her that was not always evident to the public.

A Private Mimic and Religious Devotee

Beyond her love for practical humor, Queen Elizabeth II was known to be an excellent mimic. She had a knack for impersonating others swiftly and accurately. Yet, despite her talent for impression, the Queen was a deeply religious person. She attended church every Sunday and spent much of her time in prayer. However, she believed that overt displays of her faith were not appropriate for a public figure and therefore did not overtly show her religious devotion. This private devotion added another layer of complexity to her public image, making her even more relatable to her subjects, albeit in a more subdued manner.

A Rancher at Heart, Yet Dedicated to Duty

Contrary to her public persona, Queen Elizabeth II had a simpler side. She enjoyed the countryside and animals, often preferring a more rural life. Her taste was uncomplicated and she preferred less fuss. In fact, she would have been the ideal wife for a farmer, given her preference for the land and animals. Despite her love for the quieter life, her devotion to her role as the Sovereign was unwavering. She understood the importance of deference in her position and knew that her relationship with her duties was a delicate balance between public and private.

A True Royalty Impresario

The Queen was known for her impeccable taste and dedication to maintaining the traditions of royal life. She was involved in a variety of royal engagements and events, impressing upon her subjects and visitors the importance and intricacy of these functions. Despite her unimpressed view of diamonds, she recognized their symbolic and practical value. Her most enduring passion was horses, and she was deeply knowledgeable about horse breeding and bloodlines. She had an excellent grasp of British politics and an unmatched knowledge of British horses, making her an expert in her own right. This expertise was often showcased in her love for new horses and her trips to Kentucky, which could be considered her only significant journeys abroad.

A Discreet and Reserved Public Figure

Queen Elizabeth II, though she had a keen sense of humor and a passion for horses, was highly discreet in her public persona. She disliked radio and preferred recorded music from military orchestras on her car stereo, likely because it did not include singing. She disliked garlic, alcohol, pre-tied bow ties, hot-dog vendors outside her residences, American duchesses, and cats. These preferences gave her a wholesome image that was both charming and relatable. Her private life, however, was respected, and she was known to keep her personal taste and judgments to herself.

Conclusion

The late Queen Elizabeth II was a complex and multi-faceted individual, whose dedication to duty and personal charm inspired countless people around the world. While her public life was deeply rooted in tradition and protocol, her private life offered a unique glimpse into the softer, more relatable side of one of the most iconic figures in history. Her legacy lives on not just in her ability to inspire but also in her ability to connect with people through her sense of humor, religious devotion, and love for the rural life.