The Wicked Wit of Queen Elizabeth II

A celebration of Queen Elizabeth's reign through some of her wittiest, most sarcastic, and humorous observations, revealing a fascinating side of her personality that often remains hidden from the public

Never one for false sentiment, the Queen complained, ‘I’m getting fed up waiting for it to arrive’, shortly before the birth of her granddaughter Princess Beatrice.

Prince Philip was even more blunt speaking about his daughter Princess Anne: ‘If it doesn't fart or eat hay then she isn't interested.’

Speaking of her sister Margaret’s children, David and Sarah, the Queen quipped, ‘They are not royal. They just happen to have me as their aunt.’

Of her own role following the birth of Prince Charles, Princess Margaret is quoted as saying, ‘I suppose I’ll now be known as Charley’s Aunt.’

When thinking of the Queen, our perception is often one of dignity and authority. She is seen as a serious figure: the British monarch, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and the head of the Commonwealth. But as anyone who has ever met her will tell you, in person she has wicked sense of humor. Occasionally unintentional, like asking guitar legend Eric Clapton, "Have you been playing a long time?," sometimes sarcastic, and at other times downright silly, royal humor touches on every aspect of life, while always retaining a strong sense of dignity.