How Queen Elizabeth Lightens Up ‘Awkward’ Situations

She may be known for seeming stoic and steadfast when it comes to traditions and protocol, but that doesn’t mean Queen Elizabeth doesn’t also enjoy a good laugh from time to time—or that she’s afraid to be the reason for a good time.

According to royal author Adam Helliker, the Queen actually has a very good sense of humor and isn’t afraid to use it when it comes to breaking up situations that are seen as awkward, including a specific time involving former French First Lady, Yvonne de Gaulle, before her husband’s retirement.

Helliker revealed to Fabulous Digital (via Express UK) that during a gathering, when Madame de Gaulle was asked what she was looking most forward to in her retirement, she misspoke due to broken English, and awkwardly replied “A penis,” which led to some awkward silence. However, Queen Elizabeth soon stepped in to help the other woman out.

“An awkward silence ensued for some time, until the Queen herself came to the rescue, and she said with a broad grin, ‘Ah, happiness,’” he said.

Helliker went on to add that her husband, Prince Philip, still enjoys telling the anecdote to this day, as it is one of his favorites since he is also known for his fondness for [practical jokes, even when they come at his wife’s expense.

However, while Prince Philip is the one more well-known for his joking personality, it’s previously been reported that the Queen is also a bit of a jokester, and does particularly well at imitating specific accents.

Royal biographer revealed during the pair’s 70th wedding anniversary that the couple’s key to success if their shared ability to have a sense of humor and a good laugh and a lot of that comes from the Queen herself.

“I think the secret is they laugh together, we all know that life is very, very difficult,” she said at the time. “I think the queen is [the comedian]. She’s a wonderful mimic, absolutely brilliant mimic.”

“She can do Liverpool, she can do Liverpool really well, she does Irish, she can do all kinds of accents. She’s very good at American as well,” she added.