QUEEN OF COMEDY
Our witty Queen knew just how to raise a smile – from cheeky photobombs to THAT Paddington sketch and razor-sharp quips
HER grace, charm and remarkable dedication to service endeared her to world leaders and millions of people across the globe.
And as tributes continue to pour in for Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at Balmoral, one common theme has been her infectious sense of humour.
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Her Majesty was known for her witty one-liners and excellent comedic timing, which were perhaps only rivalled by her husband Prince Philip.
From mic drops to being the perfect photo bomber, Britain's longest-reigning monarch knew when to poke fun at the lighter side of life.
As the country unites to mourn her loss and prepares to say goodbye, we fondly remember the incredible times the Queen put smiles on our faces.
Read More On The Queen's Death
Queen of comedy
Even though she was one of the most powerful and famous people in the world, there were times when the Queen managed to enjoy some anonymity.
Her former protection officer once revealed that while taking a stroll near Balmoral Estate, she was approached by American tourists who asked if she lived in the area.
Dressed in a headscarf and tweed coat, she told them she had a house close by.
But after they asked whether she had met the Queen, Her Majesty replied: "No" and pointed to the policeman to say: "But he has."
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Best photobomb ever
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For millions of people, getting a picture with the Queen would have been a dream come true.
Lucky Australian hockey star Jade Taylor and a friend got the surprise of their lives when their photobomber turned out to be none other than the monarch.
Taken at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the royal can be seen posing in the background with a cheeky grin.
The snap quickly went viral after Jade posted it on Instagram with the caption: "Ahhhhh the Queen photobombed our selfie!"
Bear with me
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Who could forget the genius skit at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this year, when she cheekily appeared in a sketch with Paddington Bear.
British favourite Paddington told the Queen that he hoped she was "having a lovely Jubilee" before Her Majesty offered him some tea.
And he was delighted to learn that The Queen shares his love of marmalade sandwiches.
As the beloved bear showed Her Majesty a sandwich he had hidden underneath his hat, she prised open her bag and quipped: “I keep mine in here, for later."
The hilarious ditty answers the age-old mystery of what is in the Queen's iconic handbag.
It followed her iconic appearance at the London 2012 Olympic Games alongside Daniel Craig's James Bond, where she delivered the immortal line: "Good evening, Mr Bond."
Don't have a cow, ma'am
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In 2016, the Queen gave the internet one of its most wholesome moments during her 90th birthday celebrations.
She was captured beaming with delight as she spotted a herd of cattle on stage.
Seated with Prince Philip, she excitedly pointed in their direction and exclaimed: "Cows!"
The hilarious yet touching moment quickly went viral and became a meme which is still used today.
Age old joke
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While at a gala for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2015, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau toasted the Queen.
In it, he made reference to the fact that he was the 12th Canadian prime minister to serve during her lengthy reign.
Responding to the toast, the Queen, with a stern expression on her face, cheekily said: "Thank you, Mr Prime Minister of Canada, for making me feel so old".
Her reply led to fits of laughter among the leaders in the room.
Taking president
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The Queen was never one to shy away from a joke - even if it meant roasting some of the most powerful people in the world.
During a visit to the White House in 2007, then US president George Bush messed up when he said the Queen had celebrated the country's bicentennial in 1776 instead of 1976, effectively adding 200 years to her age.
Not one to let the opportunity slide, the monarch hit back two days later at a dinner party.
While making a speech, she joked: "I wondered whether I should start this toast by saying, 'When I was here in 1776...'"
In response, Mr Bush admitted defeat, adding: "Your Majesty, I can't top that one."
Baking bad
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Her Majesty managed to navigate through some pretty testing situations over the years - but a battle she could never appear to win was with cakes.
In 2015, during the 100-year celebration of the Women's Institute, she was given the honour of cutting the first slice of the celebratory cake.
The monarch had guests cracking up, however, when the knife got stuck in and Princess Anne had to intervene to get it out.
As wise as ever, the Queen showed she had learned from this incident when six years later, she chose to cut a cake with a sword.
Flower power
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The Queen's dark sense of humour was on full display at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2016.
Well-wishers gave her two bunches of plants which turned out to be potentially harmful.
Herb gardener Jekka McVicar told her the lily of the valley plant was historically used as a poison.
Without missing a beat and despite the danger to her health, she responded: "I've been given two bunches this week. Perhaps they want me dead."
Guard of dishonour
Can you imagine the Queen being refused entry into her own castle?
Well that's what reportedly happened when a clueless security guard told her: "Sorry love, you can't come in without a sticker" upon arrival at Windsor Castle.
Clearly unamused, the monarch retorted: ";I think if you check, I will be allowed to come in!"
Speaking about the embarrassing incident later, the poor security guard said he thought she was "some old dear" who had gotten lost - awkward!
Giggling at Philip's uniform
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The Queen was famously photographed giggling at the Duke of Edinburgh's full military regalia in 2003.
Philip's bearskin hat covering his eyes appeared to tickle the Queen, but photographer Chris Young, later said they were also distracted by a swarm of bees.
"I got lucky," says Young, recalling the event later. "I recognised that it was a human moment. She was giggling like a little girl and he was laughing too."
Royals vs Obamas
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According to numerous reports, the Queen had a particularly close relationship with Prince Harry.
This was evident in 2016 when he managed to convince her to take part in a skit to promote the Invictus Games.
In the video, then US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle lay down a challenge to the royals and warn them to be "careful what they wish for".
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When a member of the US military mimics a mic drop and says "boom", the unimpressed Queen tells her grandson: "Oh really?... Please."
Prince Harry, in turn, looks into the camera and mocks the Obamas with a mic drop of his own.
Harry later said in an interview that when he showed Her Majesty the challenge by the Americans, she was keen to film a response.
'Enjoying yourself?'
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The G7 Summit can be an awkward affair, especially when world leaders who do not see eye-to-eye are lumped together for a group snap.
Last year's gathering in Cornwall brought together the likes of France's Emmanuel Macron, US president Joe Biden, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Boris Johnson.
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During a group photo with the Queen, she spoke for the rest of the world when she asked them: "Are you supposed to be looking as if you're enjoying yourself?"
This prompted some awkward laughter as Boris insisted they had indeed been enjoying themselves.
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