15 times The Queen was a total badass

June 2024 ยท 4 minute read

The Queen is a pretty incredible lady.

She's ruled for 66 years, she's reached the age of 94 without making any real slip up, and she's an icon across the globe.

In short, she's a total badass.

When opening a new building for the London School of Economics at the height of the 2008 financial crash, she's reported to have asked: "So, how come none of you saw this coming?"

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She's witty, she's smart and she's not afraid of anything.

Here are just 15 times the Queen proved she was harder than the rocks on her tiara.

1. When she did some target practise with a giant rifle

Best. Picture. Ever.

She got to fire the final shot at the centenary of the Army Rifle Association.

2. When she served during WWII

When she was a princess Elizabeth worked as a truck mechanic and driver in the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service.

She's the only female royal to have served her country, and the only monarch to serve in WWII.

3. When she married the man she loved, even when her family didn't approve

The then King and Queen wanted their daughter to marry a respectable English Duke. Philip was a Prince of Greece and Denmark, and the Royal family didn't trust them. Plus he had no money.

She married him anyway.

4. When she didn't take her husband's surname

It was actually Winston Churchilll who advised her not to.

Prince Philip insisted she take on his surname, Mountbatten, but British officials and the monarchy wanted to continue using Windsor as it was the Royal family name.

5. When she rode an elephant on a tiger hunt

Queen Elizabeth was also Queen of India when she first ascended the throne, and took a royal tour of the country in 1961.

She rode an elephant a couple of times on the trip, but the most badass time was definitely on the tiger hunt. She looks very nonchalant surrounded by all the danger.

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6. When she was shot at but didn't get off her horse

During the 1981 Trooping the Colour, a 17-year-old boy shot blanks at the Queen as she rode on horseback.

As police, guards and bystanders screamed in panic, the Queen seemed to remain completely calm. She patted her horse and kept on riding.

7. When she photo-bombed a selfie

Truly iconic.

8. When she jumped out a plane with James Bond

Who could forget this iconic opening to the London 2012 Olympics.

9. When she pranked Saudi Arabia's late King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz

She took him on a ride in her Land Rover, speeding along tiny lanes around Balmoral and showing off her army training.

To the King this was quite a shock - in his country women weren't even allowed to drive.

10. When she calmed down a mentally ill man in her bedroom

He broke in to Buckingham Palace and managed to reach her bedroom.

She obviously summoned help, but while she was waiting for security to arrive she calmed him down.

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11. When it was revealed she has her very own cocktail

Which she drinks at lunch no less!

In case you were wondering, it's gin mixed with Dubonnet (a fortified wine) and a slice of lemon on the rocks.

12. When she was spotted still driving in her 90s

And she does so with such style.

13. She's been riding horses since she was four - and reportedly still does

She doesn't even wear a helmet - she prefers to wear a scarf to keep from helmet hair. We get that.

14. When she was seen checking her watch while waiting for Trump to arrive

The internet went wild when the Queen was caught checking her watch while she was waiting for President Donald Trump to arrive. You don't make the Queen wait.

15. When she became the longest ever reigning monarch

The ultimate badass move? Surviving six tumultuous decades as Queen and having everyone still love you.

Kudos, Your Majesty.

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