QUOTES OF THE REIGN
‘We know, every one of us, that in the end all will be well; for God will care for us and give us victory and peace.’
As Princess Elizabeth, aged 14, on BBC’s Children’s Hour during the war.
‘That’s what you’re paid for!’
To James Callaghan after the then Premier asked for her advice about a thorny issue.
‘You should Google that.’
Her oft-heard remark to Prince Philip as she kept up with the digital age.
‘Grief is the price we pay for love.’
Her message of condolence to the families of victims lost in the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
‘I think it was one of the most memorable nights of my life.’
Her description to the BBC in 1985 about joining street celebrations for VE Day in London in May 1945.
‘Don’t worry, Betty, I have one of those at home, too.’
Remark to US President Gerald Ford’s wife Betty, at the White House after her son Jack bumped into her wearing jeans and a T-shirt. ‘Are you supposed to look like you’re enjoying yourself?’
Joking with G7 leaders in Cornwall last year. ‘You’re the one that doesn’t smile.’
Her quip to James Bond actor Daniel Craig in 2012 when they filmed their spoof for the London Olympics. ‘Let me put it this way: how would you like 12,000 complete strangers trampling on your lawn?’ Her response to Piers Morgan asking if she enjoyed hosting garden parties.
‘What are you doing here?’
Startled reaction to finding Michael Fagan in her Buckingham Palace bedroom in 1982, according to Fagan. ‘He is someone who doesn’t take easily to compliments, but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years.’
Tribute to Prince Philip to mark their Golden Wedding anniversary in 1997.
‘We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.’
Her address to the nation on April 5, 2020, after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic.
‘Just get in, sit wherever.’
Speaking to Michelle Obama and dismissing Royal Protocol as ‘rubbish’ during their first meeting. ‘I was once at a shooting lunch. At the end, I heard someone say, “I’ll do the washing-up”. I turned around and there was the Queen in her yellow washing-up gloves.’
Author Harry Mount reveals Her Majesty’s willingness to get stuck in.
‘I live in London, but I’ve got a holiday home just the other side of the hills.’
Her remark to American hikers, who bumped into her in the Highlands and began telling her about their holiday plans, according to former Royal protection officer Dick Griffin.
‘Less dressy? What do you think this is?’
Quip to Annie Leibovitz in 2007 when the celebrity photographer suggested that she take off her tiara. ‘I have to be seen to be believed.’
Her reason for wearing bright clothes to public functions.
‘Well, I’m still alive.’
Her response
to Northern Ireland’s then Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who asked how she was in 2016. McGuinness was a former senior figure in the IRA, which killed her second cousin, Louis Mountbatten, in 1979.
‘We’ve had a wonderful lunch. Bodies all over the place!’
Recalling an event at Trinity College, Oxford, at which the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and his wife both fainted, and a servant fell over while carrying a tray of drinks.