It is almost impossible to find a person who knows Queen Elizabeth II better than Samantha Cohen. After more than 18 years in the service, the former aide has lifted the veil of secrecy over some unknown aspects of Her Majesty's life.

Queen without an ego: How Elizabeth II shocked the world

Samantha Cohen remembers Elizabeth not only as a consummate leader, but also as a person without an ego. "She was a maestro in her role, but without too much pride, " she claims. This feature became a distinctive feature of Elizabeth, which distinguished her even among the stars who often visited the palace.

"Despite fame, she was their antithesis, " shared Cohen.

Shyness and a thirst for speed: unexpected traits of a monarch

Few people know, but Elizabeth II was a shy person who still did not give up high-speed adventures behind the wheel. Cohen recalls how the queen liked to "drive" the car, causing admiration among the passengers.

Life in a brilliant environment: personal moments and family values

Working with the Queen, Samantha and her family not only participated in the ceremonies, but also became part of her family. From Christmas at Sandringham to summer holidays at Balmoral, Cohen has witnessed hospitality beyond imagination. "The Queen gave us Christmas presents and wrote postcards by hand, " she recalls.

The last visit to Australia: an unforgettable journey and connection with the people

During her last trip to Australia in 2011, Elizabeth was remembered as a queen who truly listened to her subjects. "It was her superpower to listen and understand, "** emphasizes Cohen. She could talk to people about everything from horses to politics.

Memories and simple joys

Among many memories, Samantha remembers the day Elizabeth stopped to save a butterfly at Balmoral. This small act captured the Queen's joy in simple things. "We laughed together, " Cohen recalls.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova