The
Queen's Quirky Traits: Little-Known Facts About Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most recognizable figures in the world, but there are still many little-known facts about her. From her favorite animals to her unusual talents, here are some of the Queen's quirky traits that you may not know about.
1. She Loves Corgis
It's no secret that Queen Elizabeth II is a big fan of corgis. In fact, she has owned over 30 of them throughout her reign. Her love of the breed began when she was given a corgi named Susan as a gift for her 18th birthday in 1944. She has since bred her own corgis and even invented a new breed called the dorgi (a cross between a dachshund and a corgi).
2. She Has a Secret Skill
While the Queen is known for her public duties, she also has a secret talent. She is an accomplished horse rider, and reportedly enjoys going out for rides on her own. She is so good at riding, in fact, that she has won numerous awards for it over the years.
3. She Sends Secret Messages
The Queen is known for her love of fashion, and she often uses her clothing to send secret messages. For example, she wore a brooch with a subtle message for Donald Trump during his UK visit. The brooch was a gift from Barack and Michelle Obama, and it featured 14-karat gold and diamonds in the shape of a sunflower. The flower is thought to be a subtle nod to the Obamas, as the sunflower is the state flower of Kansas, where the former First Lady grew up.
4. She Doesn't Need a Passport
As the Queen doesn't have a passport, she technically doesn't need to go through customs or border control when she travels abroad. However, the rest of her entourage (including her luggage!) does need to go through these procedures.
5. She's Invested in Renewable Energy
In 2018, it was revealed that the Queen had invested in a wind farm off the coast of Norfolk. The investment was made through the Crown Estate, which manages the monarch's public assets. The Queen is known for her interest in environmental issues, and this investment is a reflection of her commitment to renewable energy.
6. She's a Record-Breaker
As the longest-reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II has broken a number of records over the years. She is also the oldest monarch in British history, having celebrated her 95th birthday in 2021. In addition, she has visited more countries than any other monarch in British history, having visited over 120 countries during her reign.
7. She Has a Hidden Room in Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is full of secret rooms and corridors, and the Queen has her own private suite of rooms that few people have ever seen. The rooms include a sitting room, bedroom, bathroom, and dressing room, and they are accessed through a hidden door in the White Drawing Room.
Queen Elizabeth II has led an extraordinary life, and these little-known facts give a glimpse into some of her quirky traits. From her love of corgis to her secret talents, the Queen is truly a unique and fascinating individual.