6 facts about Queen Elizabeth II that you didn't know

Being the longest-serving monarch and a global phenomenon, the life of  Queen Elizabeth II has undoubtedly been a rather eventful one. Written and narrated by one of Britain's leading authorities Robert Hardmen, the audiobook 'Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II' is now available on Audible. This audiobook will take the listeners through the life of one of the most famous women in the world. Here we list six fascinating facts about Queen Elizabeth II that you probably didn't know!

6 facts about Queen Elizabeth II that you didn't know

Queen was nicknamed Little Lilibet: George V (Grandfather of the Queen) has been credited with inventing the Princess's lifelong nickname. When the Queen was born, she was called Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor of York, in honour of her mother, paternal grandmother and great-grandmother.

Queen's favourite was her grandpa (George V): The Queen loved her grandfather immensely. She is also said to have invented her own affectionate name for the King: 'Grandpa England'. According to George V's biographer, Kenneth Rose,

Queen once decided to not have any more dogs: The Queen was widely known for her love for dogs, specifically Corgis and Dorgis and has owned over 30 dogs in her lifetime. The audiobook also mentions,

Queen fell in love at first sight: John Wheeler-Bennett’s biography of George VI includes the following line about Prince Philip. Prince Philips is and was the man with whom Princess Elizabeth had been in love from their first meeting.’ For obvious reasons, the wedding was a landmark moment and it is widely held to be the first time that Princess Elizabeth encountered Prince Philip of Greece, a cousin of the bride. Credit: AFP Photo

Queen taught Michelle Obama a life lesson: On their first informal meeting, the Queen and Michelle Obama bonded over a chat about ‘sore feet’ and ‘long receptions’, saying ‘Just two tired ladies oppressed by our shoes’, the First Lady Michelle Obama wrote fondly in her memoirs. Credit: Reuters Photo

Queen described 1992 as “Annus Horribilus”: On the morning of 20 November 1992, a builder’s lamp had set fire to a curtain in Windsor Castle’s private chapel and by nightfall, much of the Queen’s family home was in ashes. This unfortunate incident had come during the same year in which the Queen had seen the marriages of her three eldest children collapse. Credit: AP Photo