Queen Elizabeth II reportedly once had a three-word response to royal rule-breakers, according to reports.

Queen Elizabeth II was adored universally. She was known for her calm demeanour and her overall, dutiful attitude. The queen often appeared unflappable.

And although she was known for her graceful manners, the queen was indeed human too. Meaning there has been a few recorded occasions where she lost her temper.

And her very fitting reactions to rules being broken are hitting headlines again…

Queen Elizabeth II was a stickler for this royal rule

In the 2002 documentary about her life, The Queen: A Remarkable Life, directed by Alan Scales, the late Queen was seen watching her husband, Prince Philip, take part in some carriage driving.

In the footage, the queen was seen exclaiming at photographers who happened to crowd in her way as she was spectating.

The then-monarch was heard asking: “Do you mind?”
The late queen knew how to stand up for herself (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Although her reaction was no explicit, it was clear Elizabeth was unimpressed. Especially as it seemed the photographers had broken a typical etiquette rule.

Etiquette often suggested walking slightly behind or alongside the Queen, as she was the highest-ranking person present.

It has often been considered rude to have your back to the monarch.

The ‘unspoken’ rule break that got an unimpressed reaction from Queen Elizabeth II

However, as per the royal family’s official website, “there are no obligatory codes of behaviour”. Instead “just courtesy,” is expected.

In 2007 the late Queen was involved was photographed by Annie Leibovitz, the famed American photographer who took some of the most iconic snaps in history – including the last photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono before his murder.

This photoshoot was recorded as the BBC filmed a documentary about the queen, named A Year With The Queen.

Whilst doing do, the footage captured a moment the queen appeared rather unhappy with photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Annie Leibovitz was heard asking the queen if she could remove her crown as it would look better in the photo she was taking.
Queen Elizabeth II sadly passed away in 2022 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Famous footage of Queen Elizabeth being very unimpressed with photographer Annie Leibovitz

“Less dressy? What do you think this is?” the queen exclaimed in reply.

She then insisted: “I’m not changing anything. I’ve had enough dressing like this, thank you very much.”

The trailer for the documentary shown to journalists had a clip of the Queen walking out whilst dressed in a ceremonial robe.

The recording has been widely circulated with many discussing the queen’s reaction.

However, the footage has reportedly been misrepresented and the trailer was never meant to be seen by the public or press.

Consequently, the BBC to issued a public apology following the mistake.

Queen Elizabeth’s sense of humour

Although the queen was a stickler for rules, she also had a great sense of humour.

Her sense of humour was on display at various points throughout her reign, an aspect of her personality that was much loved by Brits.

One of her most iconic and amusing moments was when she starred alongside Prince Harry to promote the Invictus Games in 2016.

The Obamas famously appeared in the clip and ‘video called’ Prince Harry.

The late queen’s ‘mic drop’ moment with Prince Harry

Michelle Obama told Harry: “Hey, Prince Harry, remember when you told us to bring it in the Invictus Games?”

Barack then chimed in: “Be careful what you wish for.”

Behind them, someone in uniform mimed a mic drop and exclaimed: “Boom.”

The Queen then looked to Harry and amusedly said: “Oh really, please…”

Prince Harry then mimed his own mic drop and teasingly quipped: “Boom.”

Whatever the circumstance, nothing seemed to dampen the queen’s spirit and she was always unapologetically herself.