Happy 90th! 8 surprising things you didn’t know about Queen Elizabeth II

Photography by Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Pop the bubbly—it’s Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday! In celebration of the longest-reigning UK monarch’s big day, we’ve rounded up some jolly good facts about Her Majesty. For starters, she has two birthdays! Her actual bday (April 21st) and her “official” birthday which takes place in June. Before we all break out in a rousing rendition of #HappyBirthdayYourMajesty, here are 8 other surprising things you didn’t know about Queen Elizabeth II.

1. Her Majesty’s go-to nail polish colour is Essie Ballet Slippers
When the Queen removes her impeccable white gloves, chances are she’s sporting this classic pale pink polish—one of Essie’s best sellers.

2. Her handbag is used for secret signals
It sounds like something out of a spy novel, but it’s rumoured that Queen Elizabeth’s much-loved Launer handbags (she carries the Royale and the black patent Traviata) speak volumes without Her Majesty saying a word. If she places the bag on the table, it signals she wants the event to end in the next five minutes. Talk about power dressing.

3. The Queen is a big fan of Special K.
Sure she dines at state dinners and other grand affairs, but Her Majesty likes the basics too. Special K, chocolate cake and jam sandwiches are among her favourite foods, according to Buckingham Palace’s former chef Darren McGrady.

4. Blue is the big winner in her wardrobe.
The Queen has worn every colour in the rainbow, but blue seems to take the spotlight. From sky to royal, this hue looks sharp while highlighting Her Majesty’s blue eyes.

5. Hand cream is one of her beauty must-haves.
With all of her royal hand waving day-to-day, we bet Buckingham Palace never runs out of hand cream. It’s been long rumoured that Queen Elizabeth uses Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream.

6. Her favourite country is Australia.
During her 64-year reign, Queen Elizabeth has been to 128 countries, but it’s said that her favourite place to visit is Australia. Go Aussies!

7. She has had more than 30 corgis over her lifetime.
A longtime animal lover, Queen Elizabeth got her first corgi (Susan) at age 18. It’s said her corgis have individual menus at mealtimes. Oh to be a fly on the wall…

8. Her go-to nightcap is a gin and Dubonnet.
Queen Elizabeth might opt for a spot of tea in the afternoon, but she ends the day with her favourite nightcap: a gin and Dubonnet.

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