“Fifteen Amusing Instances When Queen Elizabeth Was Not Impressed”
The phrase ‘We are not amused’ is famously associated with Queen Victoria.
Legend has it she uttered the words after a performance of HMS Pinafore, though other stories claim it was in response to a dull joke.
Prince Charles was reportedly displeased when Queen Elizabeth II posed for a photo with her hands in her pockets while being styled by her dresser, Angela Kelly.
Worse still, the photographs then appeared in Ms Kelly’s 2019 book, The Queen, The Dresser and The Wardrobe.
Royal Author Ingrid Seward reveals that the incident ‘was enough to incur Charles’s wrath.’
‘He thoroughly disliked what he considered was taking advantage of her good nature,’ she writes in her latest book, My Mother and I.
His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was well capable of expressing her own lack of amusement – as these 15 moments show…
The ‘tour from hell’
The Queen’s state visit to Morocco in 1980 – dubbed the ‘tour from hell’ – was plagued with difficulties.
For instance, one afternoon, King Hassan II disappeared and left Queen Elizabeth waiting in a sweltering desert tent for most of the afternoon.
Disappointed by the races
The Queen, known for her passion for horses, displayed evident disappointment at the 1993 Epsom Derby result.
Her expression contrasted that of her son, Prince Charles, and racing manager, Earl of Carnarvon, who both appeared delighted with the outcome.
An awkward encounter
Queen Elizabeth shared an awkward encounter at a polo match with Princess Diana in 1985
An awkward encounter unfolded between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana in 1985.
The pair attended a polo match in Windsor, which coincided with the onset of marital difficulties between Diana and Charles.
The look of disapproval
Author Ingrid Seward revealed that the Queen had doubts about Meghan Markle’s Givenchy wedding dress, deeming it too white for a woman who had been divorced.
Perhaps this explains her less than impressed demeanor inside St George’s Chapel.
Mischief by name, mischief by nature
Mischief the dog leaps up to greet Queen Elizabeth during the reopening of the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in 2001. The Queen is not best pleased
True to his name, Mischief the dog enthusiastically leaped up at the monarch during a visit to the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in 2001.
A curtsey might have been more fitting, perhaps?
A passionate demeanor
A passionate Queen Elizabeth loses at the Epsom Derby in 2019
The Queen was frequently photographed displaying a passionate demeanor at the races.
It seems her horse didn’t fare well in this instance.
Wading through mud
Our former monarch demonstrated resilience as she waded through the mud at Windsor House Show.
She appeared displeased by the sight of mud splattered on her cream trench coat.
Three’s a crowd
When Princess Diana and Sarah, Duchess of York, shared a joke during Derby Day at Epson race course, the Queen was not amused.
The outing in 1987 took place after Charles began his affair with Camilla.
‘Stand up, William!’
You are never too old to receive a telling off from your grandparent.
During an event at Buckingham Palace, the Queen was observed signaling Prince William to stand up as he was bending down to assist Prince George, who was being lively on the balcony.
Close examination of the moment appeared to show the monarch saying: ‘Stand up, William.’
Another loss at the races
Something in the air? The Queen seems to think so at The Royal Windsor Horse Show
The royal’s disappointment was evident at The Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Decked out in a tweed skirt suit and pearl jewellery, Elizabeth looked less than amused while observing a race.
An unexpected reveal
During a trip to Bristol in 2012, the monarch wasn’t prepared for her car door to open.
She hastily grabbed a blanket to cover her lap.
Uncertain glances
Elizabeth shared a close bond with little sister, Princess Margaret.
But Margaret’s outspoken nature sometimes drew disapproving glances from the Queen.
Better luck next time!
Queen Elizabeth wags her finger at Newbury Race Course in 2011
Queen Elizabeth made another passionate appearance at Newbury Race Course in 2011.
She was spotted sporting a stern expression and wagging her finger when her horse failed to win.
A half-hearted rendition
Excitement filled the Millennium Dome during its New Year celebrations in 1999.
For a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, the Queen joined hands with her husband, Prince Philip, the prime minister, Tony Blair, but refrained from singing along.
Maintaining perfection
Elizabeth sported the same hairstyle throughout her reign, so the monarch was less than impressed when it fell out of place
The monarch’s trademark hairstyle was established soon after her coronation in 1953.
She maintained a polished appearance throughout her reign. Just occasionally she had to put a stray strand back into position when needed.
Breach of royal protocol
Donald Trump’s meeting with Queen Elizabeth in 2018 caused quite a stir.
The president broke royal protocol by walking in front of the monarch, while the pair inspected the Guard of Honour.