Queen Elizabeth’s Close Friends Love This One Special Thing About Her: New Biography Tells All
Queen Elizabeth is at once one of the most public and private figures of our time. Sure, we see her everywhere: attending events, meeting important politicians and figures, even riding horses around her estates. But not many know the real Queen Elizabeth, and a new biography reveals that her close friends love one important thing about her: her sense of humor!
Queen Elizabeth is reportedly more fun than she appears on ‘The Crown.’
Author and royal biographer Robert Hardman talked to People Magazine ahead of the release of his new book, Queen of Our Times: The Life of Queen Elizabeth II (Buy on Amazon, $29.99). The book compiles conversations with some of Her Majesty’s closest friends, palace staffers, and royal insiders to try to paint a more intimate picture of the Queen. In it, Hardman made sure to note that the Queen’s friends see her so differently from the serious way she’s often portrayed.
“Those who know her well talk about her sense of humor and how she’s a very upbeat and positive person,” Hardman told People. “A lot of her friends and close staff felt that [The Crown] showed her being miserable all the time. And that’s just not how it is … Even in the dark days, she is an optimist and soldiers on.”
Hardman was referring to the Netflix show — which was important to address, because the hit series is effectively required viewing for any and all royal fans. Claire Foy and Olivia Colman — who played the Queen at different stages of her life in The Crown — did a phenomenal job acting as the monarch, but their portrayals might have missed the mark when it comes to personality.
Hardman Also Revealed the Reason Behind the Queen’s Success
Most significantly, Hardman writes about what’s helped Queen Elizabeth become the longest-serving British monarch: She just really likes the job.
“It’s not just about longevity or clinging on,” he told People. “Yes, she’s by far the longest-lived monarch in our history. She remains very much center stage, with an appetite and enthusiasm for the job. She really enjoys what she does.”
Curious about everything else Hardman had to say? You might consider picking up a copy of the new Queen Elizabeth biography. And at the end of the day, we sure hope the 95-year-old monarch gets to keep doing what she loves for years to come!
