The Queen Mother once gave her security quite a scare during one of her official visits.
Crowned the “best-loved royal” at the time of her death in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, also named Elizabeth herself, was known for her quick wit, no-nonsense attitude, and her penchant for a drink.
In 1977, there was one incident in Derby when she managed to slip away from her security detail before she was found at a nearby pub enjoying a drink.
Former police officer Ian Parker revealed to his family many experiences within the force and one of them included his memorable encounter with the royal.
His daughter, Jane Hart, told the Derby Telegraph: “They lost her! There was this operation to make sure she was OK and to make sure everything went smoothly.
“It was a big occasion, and I remember him feeling very proud and privileged to be taking part and getting involved with it.
“They were leading her around, and they were proud to have her come to the city. But they couldn’t find her.
“He told the story to me, and you could tell he was still feeling nervous about telling it years on because of what they must have gone through.”
She added: “I think quite a few officers were sent to find her, and my dad found her in the bar having a drink.
“The Queen Mother was quite known for enjoying a tipple, and she did when she came to Derby.”
Another notable appearance of the Queen Mother took place in east London, when she visited the Queen’s Head in Stepney and pulled her own pint, declaring it “better than champagne”.
The pub’s landlord said after her death: “I was told three months before that it was happening and I was warned not to tell anyone until 10 days beforehand.
“The Palace bloke said: ‘Don’t worry. She will make you feel at ease.’ I didn’t believe him. But he was right. She was terrific.
“You have to remember she was an old lady. I shook her hand and she felt like a sparrow and I was so scared I might crush her. I asked her what she wanted to drink and she asked for a pint of Special.
“She poured it herself and she knocked back at least three-quarters of it. I have to say I was impressed.”