Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving British monarch in history who passed away on Thursday, had grave responsibilities thrust upon her as the head of the royal family. But that didn’t dim her zest for life. Here’re some fun-filled moments from the life of Queen Elizabeth.

With Paddington bear at Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated a Platinum Jubilee in February this year, marking the 70th anniversary of her accession. As part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the queen was featured in a funny and light-hearted short video alongside the famous British children’s character, Paddington, the bear.

With family at the Buckingham balcony

On her Platinum Jubilee, the monarch made an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where she was joined by elder son Prince Charles (who is now King Charles III) and Camilla (now Queen Consort of the UK) as well as Prince William (Duke of Cambridge) and Kate Middleton (Duchess of Cambridge) and their children. The queen appeared thrilled while watching the flypast.

With her yapping ‘moving carpet’

The queen’s love for dogs, especially the Corgi breed, was well known. During her Golden Jubilee tour of Canada in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II was seen gleefully greeting a corgi in the crowd in Manitoba. Ever since she was gifted a Corgi by her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen went on to own several dogs over the years.

With her people

Being a public figure was not something the queen shied away from in all her years of service. She was always seen greeting the crowds with a smile at each of her jubilees.

With James ‘007’ Bond

This is all things British – a meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and James Bond. The queen and Bond (portrayed by Daniel Craig in the films) performed a skit for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. The queen delivered a convincing performance and she appeared to have jumped out of a helicopter to paraglide into the Olympic Stadium, London.

With her partner of 73 years

The royal love story of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh) was akin to a fairy tale. They spent over 73 years together, from their marriage in 1947 until the death of Prince Philip in April 2021.

With her great-grandchildren

The queen and her husband had four children (one daughter and three sons), eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The couple were seen at their happiest when pictured with their great-grandchildren.

With her son at Highland games

Though she has been the flag-bearer of royal etiquette, Queen Elizabeth II was also seen enjoying herself while performing her public duties. This heart-warming laugh with Prince Charles at the Highland Games said it all.

With her favourite horses

Horse riding has been known as one of the queen’s favourite hobbies. From her younger years, she had been pictured riding several royal horses. A smiling Queen Elizabeth II waving from her royal box and cheering her horses has been a familiar sight at the race track of Royal Ascot.

The legacy continues

Queen Elizabeth II leaves behind a long legacy. King Charles III will be crowned as the new monarch in the months to come. Prince William is expected to ascend the throne after King Charles III, followed by Prince William’s eldest son (Prince George of Cambridge). A portrait captured the four generations of monarchs—Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, Prince William and Prince George.