Every Time Queen Elizabeth II Was The Sassiest Royal Of All

Jordan Claes
Queen Elizabeth II smiling and laughing, wearing a gold/blue/beige wool dress and matching hat.
Getty Images | Getty Images | WPA Pool

In order to rule a nation, there are a few things that any good leader should have. A strong stomach, a keen mind, and a very healthy dose of sass.

Luckily for the UK, and the world at large, Queen Elizabeth II has all that and more. Have a look below and check out every single time that Queen Elizabeth proved that she was the sassiest Royal of them all.

The Queen had some choice words for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after he gave a toast commemorating her 60-year reign.

Queen Elizabeth II and Justin Trudeau at the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting in 2015.
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While attending a gala for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2015, Trudeau mentioned that he was the 12th Canadian Prime Minister to hold office during the Queen's reign.

The Queen received Trudeau's toast graciously and then walked up to the podium to greet her esteemed guests.

Justin Trudeau giving a speech, wearing a blue shirt and tie.
Giphy | GIPHY News

"As Head of the Commonwealth, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you all here this evening," the Queen began. "Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister of Canada, for making me feel so old!"

During the Centenary Annual Meeting Of The National Federation Of Women's Institute, the Queen had all the Royals laughing while she cut the cake.

Queen Elizabeth II cutting a cake at the Centenary Annual Meeting Of The National Federation Of Women's Institute
Getty Images | Getty Images | Chris Jackson

It's difficult to tell, but if you look closely, you'll see that the knife gets stuck as the Queen cuts. The humorous happenstance helped provide levity to an otherwise serious situation.

Back in 2007, Queen Elizabeth II gently chided former President George W. Bush, after he accidentally aged her by 200 years.

Queen Elizabeth II with former President George W. Bush at the White House.
Getty Images | Getty Images | Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library

With a sly smile, the Queen began her speech by saying "I wondered whether I should start this toast by saying, 'When I was here in 1776...'"

Queen Elizabeth wearing a red peacoat and matching hat.
Giphy | Madman Films

The entire room, including the former President, absolutely erupted into a fit of laughter. "Your Majesty, I can't top that one," Bush said.

The Queen's sass also extends to other members of the animal kingdom, as was seen during a 2017 trip to a UK zoo.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip meet Donna the elephant at Whispnade Zoo in 2017.
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The Queen was excited to make the acquaintance of Donna, a resident elephant at Whipsnade Zoo. The Queen fed a single banana to Donna, but the playful creature wanted more.

Royal photographer, Chris Jackson, sat down with Insider in order to discuss the meeting in-depth.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip give Donna the elephant a banana at Whipsnade Zoo in 2017.
Getty Images | Getty Images | Samir Hussein

"What I loved about this particular picture is that it's just after the Queen's fed the banana to Donna, but she's anticipating her next one," Jackson said.

The Royal photographer also revealed a hidden detail most people probably missed.

Elephant extending its trunk.
Giphy | BBC

"There's quite a few zookeepers looking slightly concerned that a huge animal is going to suddenly rush forward," he said with a chuckle. Thankfully, Donna knew to mind her manners in front of royalty.

Back in 1986, the Queen was making a trip to New Zealand to commemorate the centenary of the New Zealand Police.

Two men throwing eggs at one another.
Giphy | ABC Network

On the way to visit Porirua Police College, the Queen was met by a series of protestors — one of whom managed to hit her with an egg.

The Queen made reference to the unfortunate event later that week during a state banquet.

Queen Elizabeth II wearing a green and white flowered dress with a matching hat.
Getty Images | Getty Images | Anwar Hussein

"New Zealand has long been renowned for its dairy produce," The Queen began. "Though I should say that I myself prefer my New Zealand eggs for breakfast."

The Queen has even been known to quip about her own grandchildren.

Queen Elizabeth II with a pale lavender dress and matching feather hat.
Getty Images | Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo

Back in 2012, Prince William and Duchess Catherine were awaiting the birth of their son, Prince George. While visiting Cumbria, England, the Queen was asked whether or not she wanted the next heir to be a boy or a girl.

"I don't think I mind," the Queen told the children. "I hope it arrives soon because I’m going on holiday."

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Duchess Catherine waiving from the balcony.
Giphy

Clearly, Her Majesty has a great sense of humor. But it's also kind of funny imagining her not wanting to break travel arrangements.

Queen Elizabeth II had her grandson, Prince Harry, cracking up during a military parade in 2006.

Queen Elizabeth II making Prince Harry smile during a military parade at Sandhurst, 2006.
Getty Images | Getty Images | DYLAN MARTINEZ

This all took place at the Sovereign's Parade at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, during the Prince's passing-out ceremony — when he was commissioned as an Army Officer.

As the Queen walked down the line, surveying the group of very serious-looking soldiers, she caught Harry's eye.

Prince Harry sitting beside Queen Elizabeth II, dropping the mic.
Giphy

This was clearly too much for Harry to bear, as he completely breaks his stoic demeanor and starts grinning from ear to ear.

When London hosted the 2012 Olympic Games, the Queen showed off her acting chops by appearing in a skit with Daniel Craig.

Daniel Craig performing his 'SNL' monologue.
Giphy | Saturday Night Live

Of all his many roles, Craig is best known for portraying the legendary British spy, James Bond. In the skit, Queen Elizabeth appears to jump from a helicopter.

In reality, the jump was performed by a trained stuntman named Gary Connery. However, the Queen absolutely loved the idea.

Daniel Craig walking in a tuxedo beside Queen Elizabeth II.
youtube | Olympics

According to Royal dressmaker Angela Kelly's memoir, Her Majesty the Queen "was very amused by the idea and agreed immediately."

"I asked then if she would like a speaking part", Kelly wrote in her memoir.

"Without hesitation, Her Majesty replied: 'Of course, I must say something. After all, he is coming to rescue me.'" Even Daniel Craig himself couldn't help but commend the Queen on her acting.

While making an appearance on 'The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show', Craig praised the Queen's acting ability.

Queen Elizabeth II sitting at her writing desk, wearing a pink dress.
youtube | Olympics

"She was great — calmer than me," Craig said emphatically. "My heart was going 'dum, dum, dum, keep it together, keep it together.'"

Queen Elizabeth gave the deputy first minister of Ireland a bit of a shock in 2016.

Queen Elizabeth II shaking hands with the first deputy minister of Ireland.
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While making a routine trip to Northern Ireland, the deputy first minister asked the Queen how she was doing. To which she replied, "Well, I'm still alive, anyway."

The Queen showed off her sass and acting chops yet again during a promotional video for the 2016 Invictus Games.

Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth sitting on the couch, looking at a pamphlet for the Invictus Games.
youtube | The Royal Family

The video begins with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry looking over a pamphlet for the forthcoming Invictus Games when all of a sudden he receives a text message from Michelle Obama.

Prince Harry opens the message to reveal a video message sent from Michelle and the former President, Barack Obama.

Barack and Michelle Obama standing side-by-side with their arms crossed.
youtube | The Royal Family

Standing with her arms crossed and looking both stern and serious, Michelle says "Hey, Prince Harry, remember when you told us to 'bring it' at the Invictus Games?"

"Careful what you wish for," the former-President chimes in.

Prince Harry and the Queen exchange confused looks, prompting her to answer the challenge with "Oh, really?" Please..." This in turn prompts Prince Harry to mime a mic-drop motion and proclaim "Boom!"

Arguably, the sassiest thing that Queen Elizabeth II has ever said, occurred just last year in 2021.

Queen Elizabeth II smiling and wearing a golden/blue woolen dress with a matching hat and brooch.
Getty Images | Getty Images | WPA Pool

The Queen’s former servant, Charles Oliver, wrote about how Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip would often make meal notes that they would then give to the chefs as a form of congratulations.

However, one day the Queen had the misfortune of discovering a dead slug in her salad.

Slug running on the side walk in 'Monsters University'.
Giphy | Disney Pixar

The Queen didn't get mad or angry. Instead, she wrote on her note pad "I found this in the salad – could you eat it?" and gave it to the kitchen staff.