Queen Elizabeth II appeared to be in high spirits while visiting the Royal Philatelic Society in London recently. She reportedly left members in stitches after cracking several jokes.
WATCH: Brilliant footage of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II running and shouting
When asked to sign a visitor’s book, Her Majesty smiled before joking: “Proof!”
Her message on the page read:
“26th November 2019.
Visit of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Society and the opening of its new headquarters at 15, Abchurch Lane, London.“
The jokes didn’t stop there. Upon leaving a room full of members who had remained silent out of respect, the Queen said: “You’re all terribly silent, aren’t you?”
The monarch was met with immediate laughter, Daily Mail royal correspondent Rebecca English reported.
After also signing the society’s 150th-anniversary book, the Queen was gifted a copy of the book, to which she said, “Oh that’s very kind, thank you.”
“Is that the same as this one?” she asked, pointing at the book she had just signed. A member pointed to the book she had just signed and told her, “apart from that it’s not signed.”
The Queen replied: “Oh well, never mind.”
The Queen was also shown a book that had been donated by her philatelist grandfather, King George V, with his signature in the front. Told that it was still one of their ‘go-to’ books on the Victorian period, she said: “Really, how fascinating. Is it still up to date?”
“Well only until 1900!” She was told, which left her amused. “Well it was a good one, then,” she laughed.
After a welcome from Alderman William Russell, The Rt.Hon. the Lord Mayor of the City of London, the Queen was introduced to senior staff by the President of the Royal Philatelic Society.
Discussing the society’s move to the building, the 93-year-old said: “That must have been quite a business, I should think, wasn’t it? Quite stressful. I hope you are enjoying the place.”
The Queen was shown letters written by her grandfather who was a noteworthy stamp collector.
“He was a great collector,” Her Majesty said. Pointing to one of his letters, she added: “It’s great to be able to show it.”
The Queen was also shown stamps depicting monarchs – including herself, Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V and King George VI.
“Oh yes, I remember that one,” she remarked when she recognised her Coronation stamp. Spotting her grandfather again, she added: “George V, he was always so interested.”
