Queen Elizabeth II may have been known worldwide for her strong sense of duty, but there is another aspect of her personality that those closer to Her Majesty remember her for. While on the royal stage she always remained professional, it has been said by those who saw her behind closed doors that she did have a very good sense of humour. And, even during many engagements, her witty remarks provided a glimpse into her personality.
As well as being witty, the late Queen reportedly loved to mimic people, and had been inspired by famous female impersonator Florence Desmond. This was revealed by royal biographer and podcaster Gyles Brandreth, who met the late Queen on multiple occasions.
In an interview with Yours magazine, Gyles said: “She once performed George Formby’s When I’m Cleaning Windows for me, while strumming an imaginary ukulele!
“She was an incredible mimic and told me she’d been inspired by famous female impersonator Florence Desmond, who came to Windsor Castle to entertain the Royal family during the war.
“The Queen could do all kinds of regional accents.”
Staff members who used to work for Her Majesty have also praised the late monarch for the good sense of humour she had.
Speaking to Express.co.uk last year, former royal butler Grant Harrold said: “She always used to do things that were fun and unexpected.
“The King and Queen Camilla also have a great sense of humour but with the (late) Queen it was unexpected.”
The Queen’s dressmaker Angela Kelly also once told The Sun: “The (late) Queen has a wicked sense of humor and is a great mimic. She can do all accents—including mine.”