Kathy Lette remembers the Queen’s great sense of humour

As tributes pour in for Queen Elizabeth and her famous stoicism has been singled out for praise, one Aussie recalls a completely different side to the monarch.

There’s been much said about the Queen’s stoicism and tenacity, but little about her twinkle. What endeared her to the nation was her grit, yes, but also her wit.

I discovered the Queen’s sense of humour by accident.

I was skylarking about at the back of a crowded reception at London’s Australia House when the High Commissioner suddenly materialised at my elbow and introduced me.

With no time to be nervous, I cheekily explained to Her Majesty how Australians have embraced inverted snobbery.

Best-selling Australian author recalls the time she discovered the Queen’s sense of humour - by accident. Picture: AFP

“Being able to trace yourself back to convict stock makes you Antipodean royalty,” I informed her.

“My descendants were transported on the first and second fleets, meaning I’m the crème de la crim! So, G’day,” I teased, “from one aristocrat to another!”

The intake of breath from her flared-nostril-ed flunkeys was bordering on the emphysemic.

Was I about to be boomeranged back to Botany Bay?

But the Queen beamed.

Encouraged, I went on to clarify that there was one cause to be nervous because most Australians hadn’t followed in their forefathers’ fingerprints; “now our record collections are classical, not criminal”.

Before I could display yet more symptoms of my foot-in-mouth-disease, Elizabeth II was quickly moved on to meet some less mischievous guests.

But she must have been amused because shortly afterwards I received an invitation to join other Antipodeans at Buckingham Palace for a soiree in preparation for her 2011 tour Down Under.

When the day came, I could just picture the snooty stiff upper-lipped staff frantically hiding the silverware.

“Quick! The convicts are coming!”

Kathy Lette at Buckingham Palace in 2011 when she met the Queen and wore a corgi patterned dress. Picture: AP Photo/Chris Radburn, pool

To irk them some more, I decided to wear a corgi-themed suit I’d had made when broadcasting for William and Kate’s wedding. The mini skirt and jacket are emblazoned in little comic corgis sporting diamante-encrusted tiaras. (I mean, there’s not that many opportunities to wear a corgi themed suit, right?)

At the appointed hour, I lined up with Hugh Jackman, Elle McPherson and other members of the Aussie celebritocracy. (The queue to meet Her Majesty snaked right down the staircase) After meeting and greeting 200 or so overawed guests, the Queen’s face was frozen into a polite rictus.

When it was my turn for an audience, I explained, playfully: “I wore this suit just for you … although I’m slightly worried that one of your corgis might mate with my leg.”

Once again, there was the horrified asthmatic gasp from the courtiers, one of whom wore a facial expression usually associated with a prostate examination.

All nervous eyes were on the Queen. How would she react? … Well, she threw back her head and let out a delighted chuckle. “Oh Philip. Do come and have a look.”

Philip strode over and gave a mock gruff grumble, “Get along with you.”

At least I hoped it was mock. I quickly advised Hugh and Elle that if they didn’t see me at the end of the party, I’d be in the tower.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles in 2006. The Queen did have a sense of humour, according to Australian author Kathy Lette. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Queen’s death is not just seismic but disorientating.

The longest serving monarch in British history, she is simply sewn into our psyche. Just days ago she was welcoming her 15th prime minister, which is why we fully expected the Queen to be sending herself a “happy 100th” birthday card in four years time.

The most famous woman in the world won our respect with her mix of stoicism and earthy humour.

Through hardships and upheavals, she’s been steadfast, dutiful, dependable, reassuring and best of all, twinkly.

She juggled kids and career, not just in heels but while wearing a tiara – and never once tripped up. No matter your political persuasion, that’s right royally impressive.

Kathy Lette is a best-selling author.

Originally published as Kathy Lette remembers the Queen’s great sense of humour