Did Queen Elizabeth Once Prank American Tourists?
They apparently did not recognize her, according to the former royal protection officer who shared the story., nur ibrahim, published sept. 20, 2022.
About this rating
As Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest on Sept. 19, 2022, in Windsor Castle in London, personal stories about her grew very popular on the internet. One memory shared earlier this year by her former Royal Protection Officer, Richard Griffin, went viral.
He claimed that the Queen once pranked a group of American tourists at Balmoral Castle, her estate house in Scotland. A clip of his interview on Sky News went viral:
The story began with the Queen's propensity to take picnics at the estate around lunchtime with just her protection officer in tow. Griffin said :
There were two hikers coming towards us, and the Queen would always stop and say hello. And it was two Americans on a walking holiday. And it was clear from the moment we first stopped that they hadn't recognized the Queen, which is fine. The American gentleman was telling the Queen where he came from [...]. And I could see it coming and sure enough he said to her Majesty: “And where do you live?” She said, 'Well I live in London, but I've got a holiday home just the other side of the hills.” And he said, “How often have you been coming up here?” She said, “I had been coming up ever since I was a little girl, so over 80 years.” And you could see the cogs ticking. He said: “Well if you've been coming up here for 80 years, you must have met the Queen?” And as quick as a flash, she said “Well I haven't but Dick here meets her regularly.” So the guy said to me, “You’ve met the Queen, what’s she like?” And because I was with her a long time, and I knew I could pull her leg, I said, “Oh, she can be very cantankerous at times, but she's got a lovely sense of humor.” The next thing I knew, this guy comes around, puts his arm around my shoulder, and before I could see what was happening, he gets his camera, gives it to the Queen, and says, “Could you take a picture of the two of us?” Anyway we swap places and I took a picture of them with the Queen, and we never let on, and we waved goodbye and Her Majesty said to me, “I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to their friends in America — and hopefully someone tells him who I am.”
Griffin was speaking to Sky News during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, marking 70 years of her reign. The encounter presumably took place more than a decade ago, as the Queen pointed out that she had been coming to Balmoral for around 80 years.
Griffin, according to The Telegraph , was the Queen’s personal protection officer from 1999 until 2013. As he described in the above interview, he worked for the royal family for around three decades, in various capacities. After the state funeral, he was invited to attend a smaller committal service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, along with staff and the family.
The queen possessed a dry wit and "sense of the ridiculous," royal historian Robert Lacey told the BBC on the occasion of her 96th birthday in April 2022. "Laughing things off has been an important survival technique."
“‘A Great Sense of Humour’: But What Makes the Queen Laugh?” BBC News, 20 Apr. 2022. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61067187. Accessed 20 Sept. 2022
Edwards, Christian and Lauren Said-Moorhouse. “Why the Royal Vault Isn’t the Queen’s Final Resting Place.” CNN, 19 Sept. 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/19/uk/queen-royal-vault-king-george-chapel-intl-gbr/index.html. Accessed 20 Sept. 2022.
“‘My God, It Was Emotional’: Former Royal Protection Officer Reflects on Attending Queen’s Service.” Sky News, https://news.sky.com/video/my-god-it-was-emotional-former-royal-protection-officer-reflects-on-attending-queens-service-12701616. Accessed 20 Sept. 2022.
"Platinum Jubilee: Richard Griffin on the Queen’s Sense of Humour." Sky News, 6 June 2022. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw9g1Q74t4s. Accessed 20 Sept. 2022.
“Queen Elizabeth’s Family and Staff Attend Historical Committal Service at St. George’s Chapel.” People. https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-family-staff-attend-committal-service-st-georges-chapel-windsor-castle/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2022.
Ward, Victoria. “The Men Who Guarded Queen Elizabeth II’s Life Are Invited to Final Farewell.” The Telegraph, 13 Sept. 2022. www.telegraph.co.uk, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/09/13/queen-elizabeth-iis-former-police-protection-officers-invited/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2022.
“What Queen Elizabeth Said When Asked ‘Have You Ever Met the Queen?’” Reuters, 8 Sept. 2022. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/what-queen-elizabeth-said-when-asked-have-you-ever-met-queen-2022-09-08/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2022.
By Nur Ibrahim
Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing.
Article Tags
American tourists once met the Queen and had no idea who she was — so she played a joke on them
- The Queen once met American tourists who didn't recognize her while walking around her holiday home.
- She was with Richard Griffin, a royal cop at the time, and told the tourists he'd met the Queen.
- Griffin took a photo of the tourists with the Queen so one day they'd find out who they really met.
Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday at the age of 96. She had an unprecedented 70-year reign on the British throne , which was filled with historic moments and delightful memories.
And one sweet anecdote, from former Royal Protection Officer Richard Griffin, sheds light on the Queen's dry sense of humor .
Speaking to Sky News , Griffin revealed that the Queen once played a prank on two American tourists who didn't recognize her.
Griffin said he and the Queen came across the American hikers one day while they were walking around the grounds of Balmoral Castle, her holiday home in Scotland.
—Jake Kanter (@Jake_Kanter) June 3, 2022
"There were two hikers coming towards us, and the Queen would always stop and say hello," Griffin said. "And it was clear from the moment we first stopped that they hadn't recognized the Queen."
Griffin said one of the Americans began telling the Queen where they came from and what sites they had seen in Great Britain. Then he asked the Queen where she lived.
Related stories
"She said, 'Well I live in London, but I've got a holiday home just on the other side of the hills,"' Griffin recalled. "And he said, 'How often have you been coming up here?'"
When the Queen told the American she had been coming up to Balmoral Castle for over 80 years, the hiker asked if she had ever met Queen Elizabeth.
"Well I haven't, but Dick here meets her regularly," the Queen replied, referring to Griffin.
The hiker then turned to Griffin and asked: "Oh, you've met the Queen? What's she like?"
"Because I was with her a long time and I knew I could pull her leg, I said, 'Oh, she can be very cantankerous at times, but she's got a lovely sense of humor,"' Griffin told Sky News.
The American then put his shoulder around Griffin, got his camera out, and gave it to the Queen, asking if she could snap a picture of him with the royal protection officer.
"Anyway, we swapped places and I took a picture of them with the Queen and we never let on and we waved goodbye," Griffin said. "And Her Majesty said to me, 'I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to their friends in America — and hopefully someone tells him who I am.'"
Those who know the Queen wouldn't be surprised by the story, as she has a reputation for cracking jokes with everyone from her grandchildren to US presidents .
- Main content
NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Everyone’s favourite story about the Queen and a US tourist she pranked
Share this with
Sorry, this video isn't available any more.
The Queen’s mischievous sense of humour has been remembered with a story about her prank on a pair of American tourists who somehow didn’t recognise her.
The sweet tale has gone viral again after Her Majesty died aged 96 on Thursday .
Former protection officer Richard Griffins said the two US citizens even asked the monarch to take a picture of them after she played along with their cluelessness at a picnic spot near Balmoral.
Speaking on Sky News, he said: ‘The Queen would always stop and say hello… it was clear from the moment we first stopped they hadn’t recognised [her].’
The American man began telling the royal about his plans for his holiday and what he hoped to do next.
Mr Griffin laughed as he recalled the story: ‘I could see it coming, and sure enough he said to Her Majesty “and where do you live?”
‘She said, “well, I live in London, but I’ve got a holiday home just the other side of the hills”.’
The tourist then asked the Queen how long she had been visiting the area, and she replied: ‘For over 80 years, since I was a little girl’.
In his interview, ex-royal cop Mr Griffin joked: ‘You could see the cogs turning, and he said “well if you’ve been coming up here for 80 years, you must have met the Queen?”
‘As quick as a flash, she said “well I haven’t, but Dickie here meets her regularly”.
’So the guy said to me, “you’ve met the Queen? What’s she like?”
‘Because I was with her a long time and I knew I could pull her leg, I said “she can be very cantankerous at times, but she’s got a lovely sense of humour”.’
Still completely oblivious to the fact he was in the presence of royalty, the tourist then threw his arm around the bodyguard, and gave his camera to the Queen, asking if she’d take a picture of them.
Sky News presenters laughed in glee as Mr Griffin revealed he and the monarch never let on who she was.
Once the tourists were out of earshot, the Queen turned to Mr Griffin and said: ‘I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to friends in America. Hopefully, someone tells him who I am.’
The Queen is said to have died peacefully with the now-King Charles and Princess Anne at her bedside at Balmoral in Scotland.
Family members including Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Edward sadly missed their chance to say goodbye in person , reports claims.
The nation has entered a period of official mourning that will last until seven days after the funeral.
Charles automatically became King yesterday, but this will be formally proclaimed at a historic ceremony this weekend.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .
For more stories like this, check our news page .
Sign Up for News Updates
Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more.
Privacy Policy
Get us in your feed
He then said the American man began talking about their holiday before asking the Queen if she had been coming here often.
The Queen then responded: "I live in London but I've got a holiday home just the other side of the hills."
He then asked the Queen how often she visited, to which she responded over 80 years.
The American then said asked her if she had ever met the Queen to which the Queen replied: "Well I haven't but Dick here meets her regularly."
Read more: Queen Elizabeth II: How 'Lilibet' became one of Britain's greatest ever monarchs – obituary
The Americans, who were impressed by the answer, then asked Griffin what she was like to which he said: "She can be very cantankerous at times but she's got a lovely sense of humour."
They then asked the Queen to take a picture of them and Griffin, to which she agreed.
Griffin then took a picture of the Queen with the Americans.
After they had gone the Queen said to Griffin: "I would love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to friends in America."
The clip attracted thousands of positive comments online.
Craig Cassells replied: "Just a normal person with a sense of humour Great story."
James Hope-Gill said it was a "great memory".
Ann Marie Buscema said it was a "wonderful" story.
With the death of the Queen, King Charles has now taken the throne but his coronation will be months away while the UK enters a period of mourning.
Latest stories
Martin lewis warns millions of uk drivers of £1,000 fines for 'annoying' £14 rule.
The Money Saving Expert founder has warned that 3.6 million UK motorists are at risk of a £1,000 DVLA fine
Tensions escalate as Tenerife told to get rid of Brits wearing popular item on beach
Opera star Ainhoa Arteta has spoken out following protests by locals against UK holidaymakers.
‘This is England’: Train passengers horrified as man launches into racist tirade in packed carriage
Passengers on service said they were abused by group on train after men got on at London Bridge
Drivers 'mind blown' after realising their car handle has 'secret' function
Many people have been left impressed after finding out about the 'little known' function they never knew existed
Martin Lewis issues 'serious' warning to anyone who has curtains in their home
The Money Saving Expert has issued a warning to UK homeowners who have curtains hanging up in their homes - saying you could save hundreds by following his advice.
Drivers can slash 25 per cent off fuel costs by removing one item from their car
Motorists can save up to 25 percent on petrol and diesel by removing one item from their car, according to motoring experts. The item in question is a common sight on many vehicles
Gemma Atkinson says Gorka 'left home five weeks ago' and she has 'no idea' where he is
Gemma Atkinson has spoken about her relationship with her fiance Gorka Marquez, including having discussed them being away from each other due to work commitments.
ITV The Chase's Mark Labbett calls for medic as Bradley Walsh left in 'physical pain' over comment
The Chase viewers were left in stitches after The Beast 'called a medic' for Bradley after the ITV host was left gobsmacked by a contestant's remark.
Pub landlord stabbed to death by ex-sister-in-law seconds after calling police, court told
Stephanie Langley said ‘I’m glad I did it’ as paramedics tried to save him, court told
Warwick Davis's wife Samantha dies aged 53
Samantha Davis, the wife of Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Warwick Davis and herself an actress, has died aged 53. Samantha co-founded the dwarfism charity Little People UK and featured in the final Harry Potter film, alongside Warwick. Warwick announced the news in a statement to the BBC, revealing she had died on 24 March.
JK Rowling is rightly turning her fury against those who colluded in the trans nightmare
Following the Cass Review, a riveting ding-dong has broken out on X (formerly Twitter) between JK Rowling and the TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp. In broad terms, Allsopp belongs to the Pollyannaish “Be kind to trans people” (what harm do pronouns do?) side.
Warning as Brits not aware of big change to enter EU countries in six months
Concerns have been raised that people have no idea of a massive post Brexit change which could lead to delays at airports
Prince Louis' surprising favourite hobby revealed by dad Prince William ahead of 6th birthday
Prince William has revealed his youngest son Prince Louis' favourite hobby ahead of his 6th birthday on Tuesday…
Netanyahu has done what the world warned him not to
Israel’s strike on Iran on Friday morning will not come as a surprise to Western observers – but it will cause great concern in Washington and London as the region tips closer towards an all-out war.
Prince Harry and brother William ‘haven’t been truly happy together’ since key moment six years ago
Prince Harry and his brother Prince William were said to be inseparable - but one moment six years ago at Harry's wedding their 'happiness together' reportedly changed
‘After nine years together my husband agreed to a polyamorous relationship’
Alice Lovegood says asking her husband to be polyamorous has improved their relationship.
Holidaymakers warned as drug-resistant illness hits five European Union hotspots
The outbreak is believed to have been made worse at a festival and travellers are being warned about symptoms and how to avoid getting it
Targeted Israeli strike is a message - and Iran's response so far is telling
If this Israeli attack on Iran is no more than it presently appears to be, then it is rather well modulated. If the airbase at Isfahan has been attacked - home to the 8th Tactical Air Wing of the Iranian Air Force, and not a Revolutionary Guard installation - then the Israelis are making their point against a conventional military target. It is not an enrichment plant or a reactor, but the wide-ranging nuclear research conducted there involves some 3,000 Iranian nuclear scientists.
Fiona Bruce scolds top Tory minister amid fiery Question Time clash
BBC Question Time host Fiona Bruce was forced to intervene and reprimand a Tory Cabinet Secretary after he launched a personal attack on another panellist ...
BBC Breakfast star Carol Kirkwood absent from show following health update
BBC Breakfast star Carol Kirkwood has been missing from the show this week. The weather presenter's absence comes after she shared an update on her health last week…
Dean Dunham 9pm - 10pm
Now Discussing
Dean Dunham is Leading Britain's Conversation.
Use the Global Player app to listen to live radio for LBC & LBC News
Queen's hilarious practical joke on American tourists revealed by her ex-guard
4 June 2022, 14:33
By James Bickerton
The Queen played an amusing practical joke on two American tourists who were visiting Scotland according to Richard Griffin, her former protection officer.
Listen to this article
Speaking to Sky News the ex-security guard explained the visitors didn't recognise the Queen, and even asked her to take a photograph of themselves with him.
He explained: "The American gentleman was telling the Queen where he came from, where they were going to next, where they'd been to in Britain.
"And sure enough he said to Her Majesty 'and where do you live?'
"She said 'well I live in London but I've got a holiday home the other side of the hills'."
The American then asked how long the monarch had been visiting the area, to which she retorted "since I was a little girl - over 80 years".
READ MORE: Princess Royal arrives at Epsom as Kate and Will take the Jubilee spirit to Wales
'The Queen brings a stability, a depth.'
As the meeting took place near to the Queen's Balmoral Estate he responded: "If you've been coming up here for 80 years you must have met the Queen."
Referring to her security guard the Queen, "quick as a flash", replied: "Well I haven't but Dick here meets her regularly."
One of the American's then asked Mr Griffin what the Queen was like, to which he joked "oh she can be very cantankerous at times, but she's got a lovely sense of humour".
Mr Griffin continued: "The next thing I knew this guy comes round, but his arm around my shoulder and before I could see what was happening gets this camera, gives it to the Queen and says 'can you take a picture of the two of us'.
"Anyway we [later] swapped places and I took a picture of them with the Queen and we never let on.
"We waved goodbye then her majesty said to me 'I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photos to friends in America'."
A clip of Mr Griffin's comic story has been viewed more than three million times on Twitter.
Celebrations are continuing across the UK to mark the Queen's 70-years on the throne, making her the first British monarch to hit this landmark.
On Sunday evening thousands of spectators, including senior royals, will gather to watch a Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace.
They will be treated by performances from award-winning musicians such as Alicia Keys, George Ezra and Diana Ross.
The Queen, who has been suffering from mobility issues, is not expected to attend but Prince Charles and Prince William are expected to take part.
On Sunday thousands of Jubilee street parties are planned to take place across the UK, though there are concerns over the weather with a Met Office thunderstorm warning in place for much of England and Wales.
In London thousands of performers will take part in a pageant through the capital, with festivities concluding outside Buckingham Palace where Ed Sheeran will lead a rendition of 'God Save the Queen'.
READ MORE: UK to be battered by thunderstorms as thousands take to the streets for Jubilee parties
More Latest News
See more More Latest News
Man in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside Trump courthouse
Horror as man sets himself on fire outside donald trump's hush money trial in new york, full jury of 12 and six alternatives selected in donald trump hush money trial, father, 37, mauled to death by xl bully had 'worst injuries doctor had seen' from 15-minute attack, israel and iran play down apparent israeli air strike near nuclear site, police in paris detain man wearing fake explosives vest at iranian consulate, japanese workers narrowly escape suicide bombing in pakistan, london is our warzone: iranian journalist says working in uk is huge risk as ex-minister suggests cutting ties with country, india starts voting as narendra modi seeks third term as prime minister, murder probe launched after woman in her 50s is found dead in luxury five-star hotel, no weapons found after police detain man at iranian consulate in paris, ukraine and israel aid back on track as us house pushes towards weekend votes, two suspects held in poland after attack on navalny ally in lithuania, primary school teacher admits manslaughter of partner whose body was found tied-up and buried in garden, women's rights campaigner patsy stevenson slams police response after being threatened with revenge porn, tourist jailed for dragging 15-year-old girl into the sea off packed bournemouth beach and raping her, latest news.
See more Latest News
Firefighters tackle scaffolding dangling outside fire-ravaged Danish landmark
Ex-russian tycoon who led separatist region launches hunger strike in azerbaijan, three dead amid heavy flooding after record rain in uae, iran fires at apparent israeli attack drones near air base and nuclear site, man detained after police operation at iranian consulate in paris, brit passengers on four-hour flight to turkey drink entire plane dry in 25 minutes, 'life and death mix-up' family's grief after former nurse died in a&e after staff read wrong 'do not resuscitate' order, man arrested after ‘threatening to blow himself up’ outside iranian consulate in paris, canary islands plead with british holidaymakers not to cancel trips despite surge in anti-tourism protests, nicola sturgeon breaks silence after husband peter murrell charged in snp finance probe, the news explained.
See more The News Explained
Rishi Sunak facts: Height, wife, children and policies revealed
Arctic blast sets off government's cold weather payment - but are you eligible for the £25 off energy bills, armistice day: what is it about and when will the two-minute silence be held.
See more Royals
Prince William promises to ‘take care’ of Kate as he breaks silence on her cancer diagnosis
William’s royal return: prince visits food charity in first public engagement since kate’s cancer diagnosis, harry ‘backdated us residency to the day he was evicted from frogmore cottage ‘to make point to king & william’, highlights & opinion.
See more Highlights & Opinion
Princess Kate: Now close the door, draw the curtains and focus on you!
Generation sicknote: if gen z are struggling to work then that’s a reflection of the lack of support available to them, sunak is blaming the fallout of his political losses on protests - and cutting off the lifeblood of our democracy, be careful what you wish for is a phrase coined for humza yousaf, small businesses shouldn't have to bear the brunt if royal mail axes saturday post, rishi sunak's rwanda woes are far from over as he faces lords challenge and tory critics circle, lbc caller tells shelagh fogarty that the channel islands are the answer to 'illegal immigration', 'rishi sunak chooses to do the self-interested party politics': shelagh fogarty reflects on tories' migration policies, met police chief is right to put the boot into the premier league, writes henry riley, red sea clashes with the houthis must not be just a fight for freedom of navigation - but for freedom from iran’s hostile actions too, more topics.
See more More Topics
War in Ukraine
Cost of living crisis, immigration, crime & police.
Prince William resumes duties after Kate's cancer announcement
A look back at Kate Middleton’s 20 years with the royal family
Gillian Anderson talks Prince Andrew movie, ‘X Files’ reboot buzz
Kate Middleton and family notably absent from Easter services
Christians worldwide celebrate Easter, with the Pope and King Charles leading festivities
King Charles greets people after Easter service in Windsor
King Charles attends Easter Sunday services amid cancer battle
Royal family adjust plans for scaled-down Easter holiday
Britain's King Charles praises 'hand of friendship' in an Easter message
How royal family's battles with cancer are helping public awareness
Hoda and Jenna on Kate Middleton's cancer news: 'Such grace'
Family, friends, public send outpouring of support to Kate Middleton
Will Princess Kate’s cancer revelation ease the pressure on her?
Princess Kate’s diagnosis reflects growing number of cancer cases among young people
Will Kate Middleton's cancer revelation end conspiracy theories?
Kate Middleton asks for privacy after announcing cancer diagnosis
Doctor explains Princess Kate's preventative chemotherapy treatment
Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis
What Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis means for the royal family
Special report: Princess Kate announces she is undergoing treatment for cancer
‘hopefully someone tells him who i am’: charming story of queen elizabeth ii pranking u.s. tourist.
Speaking to Sky News during Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, former royal protection officer Richard Griffin recounted how Queen Elizabeth II’s mischievous sense of humor led her to toy with an unwitting American hiker in Scotland. Sept. 9, 2022
Best of NBC News
NBC News NOW
Apparent conspiracy theorist sets himself on fire outside of trump trial.
Special report: Man sets himself on fire outside court as a jury is seated in Trump hush money trial
Jury seated in Trump hush money trial
Gazan civilians bombed while sheltering in U.N. school
Man sets himself on fire outside Trump trial, witness says
New series ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ tells the story of Holocaust survivors finding love
The Queen played a prank on unsuspecting American visitors
Sep 4, 2019 • 2 min read
It is known the the Queen has a great sense of humour. Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
It is known that she has a great sense of humour, but in news that may surprise some people, it has been revealed that the Queen once played a joke on a group of unsuspecting visitors from the US.
Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family usually spend six weeks at the royal residence, Balmoral Castle, in Scotland each year. One day, the monarch was out for a walk outside the castle with one of her protection officers, Richard Griffin, who worked with the Royal Family for more than 30 years, when they encountered a group of visitors from the US. They didn't recognise the sovereign, possibly because they were used to seeing her dressed for events and state occasions, and, on this occasion, she was dressed down in tweeds and a headscarf, as she leads a more low-key lifestyle when she stays at Balmoral.
The visitors clearly presumed that she was a local, and asked her if she lived nearby and if she'd ever met the Queen? The head of the Royal Family replied that she did indeed live nearby, but she had "never met the Queen." She then gestured towards Richard Griffin and added that "this policeman has," so the visitors were immediately more interested in the officer. Speaking to The Times, Griffin recalled how the group then went on their way, blissfully unaware that they had just had a conversation with the Queen herself.
Built for Queen Victoria in 1855 as a private residence for the Royal Family, the grounds at Balmoral cover an area of around 50,000 acres. The Queen's granddaughter, Princess Eugenie , once described it as "the most beautiful place on earth." “I think Granny is the most happy there," she said, on TV channel ITV’s documentary, Our Queen at 90. “I think she really, really loves the Highlands - walks, picnics, dogs, a lot of dogs, there’s always dogs, and people coming in and out all the time. Family-wise we’re all there, so it’s a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa to be. And for us to come and see them up there, where you just have room to breathe and run.”
They also have a lot of fun, if this funny little tale is anything to go by.
Explore related stories
Apr 19, 2024 • 6 min read
How do I play against a blackjack dealer? What should I wear? Are drinks really free? If you’re new to gambling in Las Vegas, we have your answers.
Apr 18, 2024 • 7 min read
Apr 17, 2024 • 6 min read
Apr 14, 2024 • 8 min read
Apr 13, 2024 • 8 min read
Apr 11, 2024 • 6 min read
Apr 10, 2024 • 6 min read
Apr 10, 2024 • 8 min read
Apr 7, 2024 • 6 min read
Apr 3, 2024 • 6 min read
Queen's prank on American tourists who didn't recognise her leaves people in stitches
Former protection officer Richard Griffin left people in stitches after he revealed the Queen's cheeky joke on a group of American tourists who failed to recognise her
- 16:46, 3 Jun 2022
Despite her worldwide fame, it seems the Queen can get away without being recognised on occasion.
As many Brits enjoy four days off to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and the Queen's 70-year-reign, one story of her Majesty's jokes has gone viral.
Former protection officer Richard Griffin went viral after sharing what happened when two American tourists failed to recognise the Queen after they met her walking on her Scottish estate.
Speaking to Sky News, he told how the 96-year-old monarch had been out for a stroll on the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland when she came across two hikers.
Follow live update's from the Queen's Jubilee on our blog - here .
At the time, she was dressed down in tweeds and wearing a headscarf - so the duo didn't recognise her.
He said: "There were two hikers coming towards us and the Queen would always stop and say hello. It was two Americans on a walking holiday and it was clear they hadn't recognised her, which was fine."
"The American man asked her if she lived in the area to which she replied that she did indeed have a house nearby.
"She said that she lived in London but had a house just over the hill, and he asked how often she had been coming up here.
"She said she'd been coming up for more than 80 years and you could see the cogs were ticking. He said: 'Well if you've been coming up here for 80 years, you must have met the Queen?'
"As quick as a flash, she said 'Well I haven't but Dick here meets her regularly.' So the guy asked me what she was like.
"And because I was with her a long time, I could pull her leg, so I said she could be very cantankerous at times, but she's got a lovely sense of humour.
"Anyway the next thing I knew, this guy comes round, puts his arm around my shoulder, and before I could see what is happening, he gives his camera to the Queen and asks her to take a photo of us.
"Anyway, we swapped places, I took a photo of them with the Queen, we never let on and we waved goodbye. Then Her Majesty said to me that she'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows these photos to his American friends and hopefully someone tells him who I am."
The tweet went viral, with one fan writing: "On a weekend of Queen anecdotes, this won't be matched. Just lovely."
Another said: "Wouldn't it be great if they tracked these hikers down and had them meet the Queen again."
Pick up your collector's edition OK! Magazine Platinum Jubilee Special - in all good newsagents and online now for just £9.99.
MORE ON The Queen
Get our daily royal round-up direct to your inbox.
Queen pranks American tourists who failed to recognize her, tells them she's 'never met the Queen'
The Queen has once again proved that she has a great sense of humor!
Queen Elizabeth was taking a stroll in the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, accompanied by protection officer Richard Griffin. Since the 93-year-old monarch was not within the confines of Buckingham Palace or the several other royal castles, she decided to dress down.
Instead of donning an expensive gown fitted with priceless gems and jewels, she put on tweeds, Wellington boots and a headscarf as part of her low-key look which is common for the monarch when she stays at Balmoral.
Looking very much like a commoner, the Queen chanced upon a group of tourists from the United States. Without the usual grandeur and fleet of guards marching by her side, none of the foreigners were able to recognize the longest-surviving head of British monarchy, the Mirror reported.
In a rare occasion, the tourists struck up a conversation with the Queen, asking her if she lived in the area. Instead of taking offense at the lack of recognition or informing them of who she was, the Queen decided to pull a silent prank on them.
Careful not to lie or reveal too much, she cleverly replied that she did own a house nearby.
The private joke did not end there as, after that, the tourists asked her if she had ever met the Queen. The monarch again managed to evade the question by gesturing toward officer Griffin and saying, "No, but this policeman has."
Griffin, who had worked for the monarchy for 30 years, said that, after a brief conversation with the Queen, the group of tourists moved on from the area, remaining oblivious to the real identity of woman they talked to.
In the past, royal biographer Robert Hardman said that the Queen purposefully chose to dress in eye-catching colors when she was attending to her duties as a monarch. However, when she is on a break and away from the public eye, more often than not, she opted for pared-back clothes and wellies.
The Queen has admitted that she tended to avoid neutral shades when it came to picking out clothes for important occasions. "My favorite remark she ever said was: 'I can't ever wear beige because nobody will know who I am,'" Hardman wrote in his 2011 biography 'Our Queen'.
Queen's prank on American tourists who didn't recognise her that left protection officer in stitches
The Americans didn't recognise the Queen while she was out walking in the grounds of Balmoral Castle.
- 10:21, 9 SEP 2022
The Queen was widely known to have a wicked sense of humour and since news of her death yesterday one of Her Majesty's funniest jokes has resurfaced and gone viral.
The moment was first shared during a Sky News appearance from former protection officer Richard Griffin during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. He recounted the moment two American tourists failed to recognise the Queen while out walking in the grounds of Balmoral.
At the time of the meeting, the Queen was dressed down in her 'casual clothes' wearing tweed and a headscarf so the pair of hikers didn't recognise her and assumed she was a fellow visitor to the Aberdeenshire estate.
Richard shared the story during the broadcast, he said: "There were two hikers coming towards us and the Queen would always stop and say hello. It was two Americans on a walking holiday and it was clear they hadn't recognised her, which was fine."
"The American man asked her if she lived in the area to which she replied that she did indeed have a house nearby. She said that she lived in London but had a house just over the hill, and he asked how often she had been coming up here.
"She said she'd been coming up for more than 80 years and you could see the cogs were ticking. He said: 'Well if you've been coming up here for 80 years, you must have met the Queen?'
"As quick as a flash, she said 'Well I haven't but Dick here meets her regularly.' So the guy asked me what she was like.
"And because I was with her a long time, I could pull her leg, so I said she could be very cantankerous at times, but she's got a lovely sense of humour.
"Anyway the next thing I knew, this guy comes round, puts his arm around my shoulder, and before I could see what is happening, he gives his camera to the Queen and asks her to take a photo of us.
More news on the Queen's death aged 96
"Anyway, we swapped places, I took a photo of them with the Queen, we never let on and we waved goodbye. Then Her Majesty said to me that she'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows these photos to his American friends and hopefully someone tells him who I am."
The clip has since been reshared by thousands on social media following the news of the monarch's death at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon.
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Her Majesty from across the world by politicians, celebrities and the general public.
What happens to coins and notes following the Queen's death at Balmoral?
King Charles III pays tribute to the Queen as 'a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother'
Queen died before William, Andrew, Edward and Sophie Wessex arrived at Balmoral
- Royal Family
- Most Recent
Queen's prank on American tourists shows her wicked sense of humour
The Queen's former protection officer Richard Griffin left people in stitches after he revealed her cheeky joke on a pair of American tourists who failed to recognise her
- 14:58, 6 JUN 2022
She may be one of the most famous women in the world, but The Queen once managed to get away without being recognised while walking on her own Scottish estate, it has been revealed. A funny story about Her Majesty's interaction with a pair of American tourists who failed to recognise her has gone viral.
Even after four days of stories about the Queen and the Platinum Jubilee celebrating her 70 years on the throne, an anecdote showing off the Queen's wicked sense of humour has proved difficult to match after it left people in stitches, reports The Mirror .
Former protection officer Richard Griffin went viral after sharing the story. Speaking to Sky News, he told how the 96-year-old monarch had been out for a stroll on the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire when she came across two American hikers.
Read more: Queen's former footman reveals secret of which side she takes in a row that divides her subjects
At the time, the Queen was dressed down in tweeds and wearing a headscarf – so the duo didn't recognise her. He said: "There were two hikers coming towards us and the Queen would always stop and say hello. It was two Americans on a walking holiday and it was clear they hadn't recognised her, which was fine.
"The American man asked her if she lived in the area to which she replied that she did indeed have a house nearby. She said that she lived in London but had a house just over the hill, and he asked how often she had been coming up here. She said she'd been coming up for more than 80 years and you could see the cogs were ticking. He said: 'Well if you've been coming up here for 80 years, you must have met the Queen?'
"As quick as a flash, she said 'Well I haven't but Dick here meets her regularly.' So the guy asked me what she was like. And because I was with her a long time, I could pull her leg, so I said she could be very cantankerous at times, but she's got a lovely sense of humour.
"Anyway the next thing I knew, this guy comes round, puts his arm around my shoulder, and before I could see what is happening, he gives his camera to the Queen and asks her to take a photo of us. Anyway, we swapped places, I took a photo of them with the Queen, we never let on and we waved goodbye.
"Then Her Majesty said to me that she'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows these photos to his American friends and hopefully someone tells him who I am."
The Tweet went viral, with one fan writing: "On a weekend of Queen anecdotes, this won't be matched. Just lovely." Another said: "Wouldn't it be great if they tracked these hikers down and had them meet the Queen again."
- Royal Family
- Most Recent
- TV & Film
- Say Maaate to a Mate
- First Impressions - The Game
- Daily Ladness
- Citizen Reef
To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories , we're happy to send you some reminders
Click ' OK ' then ' Allow ' to enable notifications
Queen’s Prank On American Tourists Leaves People In Stitches
A former Royal protection officer has revealed the hilarious moment the Queen played a joke on two American tourists.
Poppy Bilderbeck
Queen Elizabeth II may be 96 years of age, but she's definitely proven that you're never too old to pull a good old-fashioned prank.
Amid the Platinum Jubilee celebrations , former Royal protection officer Richard Griffin reminisced on his time spent with the Queen, and one particular recollection of events has caused his interview to go viral .
Griffin opened up about a stroll he went on with the Queen in the grounds of Balmoral Castle.
Despite not normally bumping into anyone at the picnic sites nearby, the former protection officer explained he and Her Majesty once came across two Americans on a walking holiday.
He recalled: "It was clear from the moment we first stopped that they hadn't recognised the Queen – which is fine – and the American gent was telling the Queen where they came from, where they were going to next, and where they'd been to in Britain. And I could see it coming.
"And sure enough, he said to Her Majesty, 'And where do you live?' And she said, 'Well, I live in London but I have a holiday home just the other side of the hills'."
Griffin then explained how one of the American hikers asked the Queen how often she had been coming to Balmoral.
The Queen responded that she had been coming for more than 80 years, since she was a little girl.
Griffin continued: "And you can see the cogs ticking. He said: 'Well if you've been coming up here for 80 years, you must've met the Queen'.
"And as quick as a flash, she says, 'Well I haven't, but Dicky here meets her regularly.'"
When asked by the tourist what the Queen was like, Griffin explained he 'knew [he] could pull her leg' as had been working with Her Majesty for a long time, and so responded: "Oh, she can be very cantankerous at times, but she's got a lovely sense of humour."
The hiker then asked the Queen to take a photograph of him and Griffin.
However, they also got on with her Royal Highness too.
Griffin noted: "We never let on and we waved goodbye and then Her Majesty said, 'I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photos to his friends in America and hopefully someone tells him who I am'."
The interview has amassed more than three million views, and Twitter users have been left in stitches.
One user said: "Absolutely priceless it says it all about the Queen she's got a great sense of humour we should all be proud that she has been our queen for all these years,and I hope for many more. And I hope she wins the Derby one year."
"This is fabulous," a second commented.
Another noted: "So lovely to hear!"
A final said what we've all been thinking: "I would love to know the reaction of the gentleman when he found out who he had been talking to."
Topics: The Queen , Royal Family , US News , UK News
Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.
Choose your content:
Death row killer ordered massive 29,000 calorie final meal thought to be the biggest one ever
Gary carl simmons jr's final meal was enough to feed multiple people.
Scientists say they have ‘strongest statistical evidence yet’ of planet hidden in our solar system
Scientists believe there could be a hidden planet due to unusual behaviour on the edge of the solar system.
.png "queen prank american tourist")
Lifeguard whistles in swimmers as huge shark is spotted at same location Jaws was filmed
Those swimming off the coast of martha's vineyard in massachusetts were called back to shore.
Simulation shows pilot's chilling last words before Air France plane crashed into Atlantic killing 228
12 crew members and 216 passengers were killed when the aircraft crashed while flying from rio de janeiro to paris.
Former Royal protection officer Richard Griffin reminisces about a picnic he went on with the Queen at Balmoral and an encounter they had with two American tourists who did not realise they were in the company of the monarch. #PlatinumJubilee : trib.al/PmdAY4j
I assume her Majesty found it quite refreshing to not be recognised There must be lots of little stories like this would be nice if Mr Griffin could collate them make a good read
Brilliant story & I know from speaking with former colleagues who worked in Royal protection there are many others. 👏👏
Just love that story. I believe someone once said to HM '' you do look like the Queen'' and the dear lady replied '' how very reassuring''.
- Truth behind disturbing ‘death is irreversible’ whisper heard at the Queen’s funeral
- Brilliant story of Queen’s prank on American tourists has people blown away
- People are just finding out what symbols 'GR' & 'ER' on postboxes mean
- Why the Queen got to have two birthdays as she would’ve turned 97 today
yacht 12m preis
IMAGES
COMMENTS
He claimed that the Queen once pranked a group of American tourists at Balmoral Castle, her estate house in Scotland. A clip of his interview on Sky News went viral: Advertisement: The story began ...
Speaking to Sky News, Griffin revealed that the Queen once played a prank on two American tourists who didn't recognize her. Griffin said he and the Queen came across the American hikers one day ...
A sweet story from Former protection officer Richard Griffin has gone viral again, following the Queen's death, aged 96, after he revealed how Her Majesty played a very cheeky joke on a group of ...
The Queen's mischievous sense of humour has been remembered with a story about her prank on a pair of American tourists who somehow didn't recognise her. The sweet tale has gone viral again ...
A story about the Queen bumping into two American tourists who did not recognise her has been widely shared online. The Queen passed away on Thursday aged 96 and almost immediately after stories of her life were shared by those who knew her.. Shared by Sky News' Sophy Ridge and viewed more than six million times on Twitter, the story is told by former royal protection officer Richard Griffin.
The American then asked how long the monarch had been visiting the area, to which she retorted "since I was a little girl - over 80 years". READ MORE: Princess Royal arrives at Epsom as Kate and Will take the Jubilee spirit to Wales. Queen's hilarious practical joke on American tourists revealed by her ex-guard. Picture: Alamy/LBC
Royal fans were left in stitches by the cheeky joke the Queen played on a group of American tourists, as recounted by her former protection officer Richard Griffin The Queen's prank is one for the ...
The Queen's hilarious prank to American tourists who didn't recognise her. 11 September 2022, 15:05. The Queen played a hilarious prank on two tourists who failed to recognise her.
Speaking to Sky News during Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, former royal protection officer Richard Griffin recounted how Queen Elizabeth II's mischievous sense of humor led her to ...
Anish Vij. Queen's Prank On American Tourists Leaves People In Stitches. People are just finding out what symbols 'GR' & 'ER' on postboxes mean. International photo agency explains disclaimer ...
The Queen played a prank on unsuspecting American visitors. It is known the the Queen has a great sense of humour. Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images. It is known that she has a great sense of humour, but in news that may surprise some people, it has been revealed that the Queen once played a joke on a group of unsuspecting visitors from the US.
The Queen's 90th Birthday: Everything You Need To Know. Richard Griffin has revealed that the Queen, not wanting to reveal her identity, jokingly played along when the tourist asked if she had ...
Despite her worldwide fame, it seems the Queen can get away without being recognised on occasion.. As many Brits enjoy four days off to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and the Queen's 70-year-reign ...
In a rare occasion, the tourists struck up a conversation with the Queen, asking her if she lived in the area. Instead of taking offense at the lack of recognition or informing them of who she was, the Queen decided to pull a silent prank on them. Careful not to lie or reveal too much, she cleverly replied that she did own a house nearby.
At the time of the meeting, the Queen was dressed down in her 'casual clothes' wearing tweed and a headscarf so the pair of hikers didn't recognise her and assumed she was a fellow visitor to the ...
Queen's prank on American tourists shows her wicked sense of humour. The Queen's former protection officer Richard Griffin left people in stitches after he revealed her cheeky joke on a pair of ...
Brilliant story of Queen's prank on American tourists has people blown away. People are just finding out what symbols 'GR' & 'ER' on postboxes mean. Why the Queen got to have two birthdays as ...
5 years ago. Queen Elizabeth II might be 93 years old, but she's still got that wit about her! She actually once played a hilarious prank on American tourists who crossed paths with her on the grounds of one of her castles. However, the tourists didn't recognize her at all. She, of course, went along with it.
A Royal officer is going viral after sharing a story of the Queen's prank on a pair of American hikers when they didn't recognize her.» Subscribe to MSNBC: h...
The Queen left her protection officers in stitches with a cheeky prank on American tourists who didn't recognise her, after coming across the hikers while ou...
💖 Please Visit: https://www.facebook.com/Scathc/💖 Please Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4lmgvbkBDDDa9serj_SeQ?sub_confirmation=1 Queen El...
Did Queen Elizabeth Once Prank American Tourists? They apparently did not recognize her, according to the former royal protection officer who shared the story., nur ibrahim, publi