Was Queen Elizabeth II’s life full of solemnity and seriousness? one side that not everyone knows is the king’s sense of humor.

Was Queen Elizabeth II’s life full of solemnity and seriousness? one side that not everyone knows is the king’s sense of humor.

Queen Elizabeth II will turn 96 this Thursday (21/4).

“Laughing at things has become an important survival technique,” said Royal Family historian Robert Lacey.

And the queen’s sharp humor has become a vital conduit for a personality who leads such a strict public life that one often has to stay serious.

“He definitely takes his job seriously – but at the same time, that doesn’t stop him from having a sense of humor,” Lacey says.

Her grandson Prince Harry, after last week’s visit to the UK, highlighted his grandmother’s “sense of humor” as her best asset.

good imitator

Historian and author Anthony Seldon said, “One of his defining characteristics was that he did not take himself too seriously. This contributed significantly to the success of his reign.”

And he doesn’t have the “self-obsession” Seldon calls an “age sickness.”

“There’s a lack of pomp, a certain immodesty,” he said. “He can laugh at misfortune and move on.”

Personally, Queen is said to be a great imitator, imitating accents and mannerisms, according to Lacey, a historical consultant for the Netflix series. Crown.

He is said to be an excellent impersonator of former Russian leader Boris Yeltsin, according to Karen Dolby, author of Queen Elizabeth II’s Evil Intelligence (Queen Elizabeth II’s Poison Intelligencein free translation).

And he imitates politicians, religions, and other TV characters.

Lacey described the Queen’s humor as “self-deprecating and a little self-deprecating”.

He gave the example of a politician who was embarrassed when his cell phone rang while talking to the Queen. After the phone hung up, the queen said, “I hope it’s not an important person.”

wise humor

One of Dolby’s favorite stories is when the Queen accidentally runs into some American tourists while walking in the rain with her bodyguards near her home in Balmoral.

Not recognizing Queen Elizabeth II, who was dressed tight against the rain, tourists asked her if she had ever met the queen.

“No, but he did,” he replied, pointing at his bodyguard.

On another personal trip, shopping in Norfolk, a saleswoman told her, “You look like the Queen.”

And the queen is said to have replied, “How encouraging.”

Are there different versions of these stories? but they all convey humor that is dry, understated, and also somewhat mysterious.

Breaking the ice

Humor is also a useful way to lighten the mood and reduce tension when people are nervous around you.

“He was quick to detect when people were uncomfortable,” said Sir Anthony.

“The ability to have fun and see the funny side of life helps him stay in touch with people.”

The Queen met many comedians, including Welshman Tommy Cooper, who Dolby said once asked him if he liked it football.

When he said he wasn’t very interested, he replied, “Then can I get your ticket to the FA Cup final?”

about the program comedy favorite TV station, the Kumar at No. 42, from the BBC, is considered a favorite of the queen. The series shows the routines of an Indian family in London who have a talk show produced in their home.

Another queen’s favorite is Father’s Army, Last Summer Wine and the late announcer Terry Wogan? all considered in British humor standards.

lightening together

The queen had been under intense scrutiny throughout her life, being the main focus of attention in high-level ceremonies.

And laughter is a very important response to these stressful situations, says Audrey Tang of the British Psychological Society.

“It was a gesture of mutual relief,” he said.

Laughter makes people feel better physically by releasing tension. It is also a “connecting experience”.

The Queen and her late husband Prince Philip are said to have an uncanny ability to laugh together.

But laughter also has complications. Who has never laughed out loud at the wrong time?

These “inconsistent emotions” can be a natural and involuntary response to feeling under pressure or a desire to relieve stress for a moment, Tang says.

Dolby recalled an episode in which the Queen appeared to be trying not to laugh at the official signing ceremony, after Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien tore off the tip of her pen and swore.

“He likes the absurd – and when things go wrong, he’s more likely to be having fun than being bored,” Anthony said.

Photographer Chris Young captured the Queen laughing heartily when a swarm of bees disrupted a troop search at Windsor Castle in 2003.

“I realized it was a very human moment,” Young said. “She laughs like a little girl.”

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were also seen laughing heartily during a singing performance in Canada.

In her 1991 Christmas message, the Queen spoke her mind.

“Don’t take ourselves too seriously,” he said. “None of us has a monopoly on wisdom.”

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