Not only was the Queen a much-loved mother to her four children, she was also an adored grandmother to eight and great-grandmother to 12.
She was known simply as “Gan Gan” and “Granny” by her grandchildren Peter Phillips, 44, Zara Tindall, 41, the future King Prince William, 40, Prince Harry, 38, Princess Beatrice, 34, Princess Eugenie, 32, Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14, and her great-grandchildren Savannah Phillips, 11, Isla Phillips, 10, Prince George, nine, Mia Tindall, eight, Princess Charlotte, seven, Prince Louis, four, Lena Tindall, four, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, three, August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, one, Lucas Philip Tindall, one, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten Windsor, one, and Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, who turns one on September 18.
The Queen enjoyed a close relationship with the younger generation of royals – she was a mentor to Prince William during his time at Eton College, and he said in 2012 that he “learned from growing up, you don’t mess with your grandmother”.
And six years ago, to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, the future King said, “Growing up, having this figurehead, having this stability above me has been incredible. I have been able to explore, understand, slightly carve my own path. I greatly appreciate and value that protection.”
And while she is Prince William’s grandmother, he says it’s very different for members of the public.
“A lot of people get very excited and sort of nervous around her. And I’ve seen some very comical moments. I’ve seen people literally faint in front of her. It’s quite a startling moment as to what to do when you faint in front of the Queen! There are a lot of trembling knees and people can’t talk sometimes. It’s quite difficult talking to people when they can’t talk. You don’t get very far. I don’t get past the hellos.”
But it was Prince Harry who once said, “Behind closed doors, she’s our grandmother, it’s as simple as that.”
Her affection and love for the younger generation has always been felt. Here are five memorable moments…
With her big smile, the Queen makes Harry laugh while she’s inspecting soldiers at the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst Military Academy in 2006.
Queen Elizabeth fondly pulled her second grandchild Zara onto her lap while watching the polo at Windsor in 1984.
Prince Louis gets the Queen’s full attention during the Trooping the Colour ceremony on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for Jubilee celebrations.
Hand in hand with Prince Harry for the Easter Service in 1989.
Her Majesty chatting to wee Prince George at his sister’s christening in 2015.
