Queen Elizabeth II was known for her elegance, discipline, and devotion to duty.
Behind the royal facade were some truly fascinating habits. From carrying her own pack of blood while travelling to her dislike of ice cubes, discover the most unusual quirks of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
The British Royal Family has always been a source of intrigue, but few monarchs have captivated the world quite like Queen Elizabeth II. Known for her unwavering commitment to the crown, she also had some surprising personal habits that made her truly unique. Whether it was her strict wardrobe rules, peculiar food preferences, or even her secret handbag signals, the Queen’s quirks reflected her distinctive approach to royal life. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most unusual and fascinating habits of Her Majesty.
She Never Travelled Without a Pack of Her Own Blood
As the most well-travelled monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II was always prepared for emergencies. Her medical team ensured they knew the location of the nearest hospitals during her trips, but that wasn’t all—she also carried a personal supply of her own blood in case a transfusion was needed. This level of precaution highlights the meticulous planning that went into every royal visit.
She Disliked Ice Cubes and Preferred Ice Balls
While most people don’t give much thought to the shape of their ice, Queen Elizabeth had a strong preference. She disliked the sound of ice cubes clinking together and instead preferred ice balls, which she found more “musical.” Prince Philip even had a special machine designed to create perfectly spherical ice to suit her taste.
She Had a Secret Handbag Code
The Queen’s handbag was much more than a fashion accessory—it was a discreet communication tool. If she placed her bag on the table, it signalled that she wanted to leave within five minutes. If she set it on the floor, it meant she was not enjoying the conversation and needed assistance. This clever system allowed her to maintain etiquette while subtly managing royal engagements.
She Avoided Certain Foods in Public
Despite being a fan of raspberries, the Queen never ate them in public. The reason? She didn’t want the risk of seeds getting stuck in her teeth. This rule extended to blackberries and even cucumber and tomato seeds, which were carefully removed before serving at official events.
She Had a Servant to Break in Her Shoes
Breaking in new shoes can be uncomfortable, but Queen Elizabeth found a solution—she had a dedicated staff member with the same shoe size to wear them first. This ensured that her footwear was always comfortable, even on long public engagements.
She Numbered Her Outfits to Avoid Repeats
With a wardrobe full of brightly coloured, elegant outfits, the Queen ensured she never accidentally repeated the same look too soon. Each of her outfits was assigned a specific number and recorded in a journal, detailing when and where it had been worn. This helped maintain her impeccable style and royal image.
She Had a Strict Diet (No Potatoes or Pasta!)
Despite being surrounded by luxurious meals, Queen Elizabeth followed a disciplined diet. She avoided starchy foods like pasta and potatoes, opting instead for lighter meals such as grilled fish, scrambled eggs, or scones. However, she never skipped her beloved afternoon tea.
She Wore the Same Nail Polish for Over 30 Years While the Queen’s wardrobe was filled with variety, she remained incredibly loyal to one nail polish colour—Ballet Slippers by Essie. Since 1989, this subtle pink shade was the only one she wore, proving that even royals can have their beauty favourites.
