²ÝÁñÉçÇø

The Queen, renowned the world over for her sense of duty and self-sacrifice, was also well-known for having a wonderful sense of humour - regularly delivering witty retorts to world leaders and members of the public.

Here are 10 of the best of her zinger one-liners.

• Once, when walking the grounds of Balmoral with her protection officer, it was reported that The Queen came across two American tourists who did not recognise her. Have you ever met The Queen? they asked. No, she responded, before pointing to her protection officer. But he has.

• On a public appearance during her 72^ndwedding anniversary, The Queen loudly said: What is the date?

• At the 2016 Chelsea Flower Show, a gardener told The Queen how lilies of the valley are poisonous. She is said to have replied: I have been given two bunches this week. Perhaps they want me dead.

• During a visit to New Zealand in 1986, The Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, were pelted with eggs by protestors. At a state banquet later that evening, she said: New Zealand has long been renowned for its dairy produce, though I should say I myself prefer New Zealand eggs for breakfast.

• As the world waited for the birth of Prince George, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges son, The Queen was pressed for clues about when the baby would come. She was reported to have said: I hope it arrives soon because I am going on holiday.

• According to David Blunkett, the UKs blind Home Secretary in 2003, his guide dog reacted defensively towards Putin during the Russian Presidents visit to Britain. When he apologised to The Queen, she said: Dogs have interesting instincts, dont they?

• A guard at the Royal Windsor Horse Show who did not recognise The Queen told her she could not come in without a sticker. She replied: I think if you check, I will be allowed to come in.

• In an argument with the Queen Mother, the elder royal said to her daughter: Who do you think you are? To which The Queen reportedly said: The Queen, mummy, The Queen.

• At a photo op at the 2021 G7 Summit, the Queen drew laughs from world leaders when she said: Are you supposed to be looking as if you are enjoying yourself?

• According to artist Juliet Pannett, who painted royal portraits, The Queen told a story about a time she went shopping for a cake in Sandringham. As she came out of the shop, an elderly lady said: Good heavens, you look just like the Queen. To which she replied: How reassuring.