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.

• The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe
• Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch
• Our Rainbow Queen: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and Her Colorful Wardrobe
• The Queen: The Life and Times of Elizabeth II
• The Faith of Queen Elizabeth: The Poise, Grace, and Quiet Strength Behind the Crown
• Queen Elizabeth II's Guide to Life
• The Final Curtsey: A Royal Memoir by the Queen's Cousin
• The Wicked Wit of Prince Philip
• The Servant Queen and the King she serves
• Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family: A Glorious Illustrated History