Queen much 'livelier' in private than she appears, royal biographer claims

As the longest-reigning British monarch, the Queen always conducts herself in a very respectful and measured way, though now it's been claimed that the monarch is actually quite different in private. 

• The Queen is reportedly "livelier" in private than when she is seen by the public. 
• A royal biographer has claimed the monarch is able to "laugh at herself" and be self-deprecating.
• In other royal news, the most expensive royal wedding dress of all time has been revealed. 

Dedicated to her royal duties, Her Majesty the Queen could perhaps be considered to be a little stoic and reserved due to her respectful nature at public royal engagements. Though this may be expected of a monarch in public, it’s been suggested that the Queen is actually very different in private. 

A royal biographer has claimed that the monarch is “much livelier” than some royal fans might imagine. 

What is the Queen really like in private?

Speaking to PEOPLE in one of this week's cover stories, royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, author of Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch revealed that the Queen "is much livelier in private than what the public sees”.  

Ms. Bedell Smith reportedly went on to quote a source at the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk as once saying: “'You can hear her laugh throughout that big house.' She has a big laugh!"

It seems that the 94-year-old monarch can also be self-deprecating. Ms. Bedell Smith also discussed the moment that once, not long after Prince Charles’ wedding to Princess Diana, a rerun of the ceremony was played on television during a party that the Queen attended. Ms. Bedell Smith recalled that upon spotting herself on screen, “The Queen said, 'Oh, there's my Miss Piggy face,=.

"She has the ability to laugh at herself," Ms. Bedell Smith revealed.

The Queen is most often seen by the public at formal royal engagements or big events, such as her Trooping the Colour birthday celebrations or state visits. Here it is understandable that she is professional and measured when approaching these important occasions.

With the effects of the pandemic still ongoing, the monarch has recently undertaken some royal engagements via video call, like many other members of the Royal Family, with pictures and clips being posted by the official Royal Family Instagram account.

Whilst these are still public engagements, they could be perceived as slightly more personal as the Queen is attending them from her home, Windsor Castle.

Her warmth and devotion certainly come across and are sure to be bringing joy in these difficult times.