Rare moments of downtime: pictures that capture the Queen off-duty
Her Majesty enjoyed walking, photography and, of course, spending time with her family.
Queen Elizabeth II had an extremely busy schedule of royal duties, but she always took time out to spend with her family, attend special events and enjoy favourite pastimes, such as photography.
We take a look back at some of Her Majesty's rare downtime moments in pictures.
Filming in Fiji, 1953
Queen Elizabeth II filmed the arrival of an escort ship while in the South Pacific en route to Fiji, during the coronation world tour with Prince Philip in 1953.
In love with her car, 1957
Queen Elizabeth II loved the open road. In this picture, she is seen smiling while driving through Windsor, with her children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
On the way to Balmoral, 1964
Queen Elizabeth II holding baby Prince Edward onboard a train from Euston station, as she heads to her home in Balmoral for a summer break. She spent many holidays at the 50,000-acre country estate in Aberdeenshire, usually with her beloved husband the Duke of Edinburgh and other members of her family.
Retriever Trials, 1967
A skilled dog handler, the Queen looks relaxed as she walks cross country at the North of Scotland Gun Dog Association Open Stake Retriever Trials in the grounds of Balmoral Castle.
Sandringham Estate with her son, 1969
An informal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with her son, then Prince Charles. The pair often strolled through the woods of their estate at Sandringham.
Christmas with her husband, 1969
This photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and her beloved husband Prince Philip putting the finishing touches on their Christmas tree was taken during the filming of an ITV-BBC documentary, The Royal Family, which followed the family over the period of a year.
Informal family lunch in Windsor, 1969
This picture offers a rare glimpse of Her Majesty sharing an informal lunch at home with husband Prince Philip and their children, Princess Anne and Prince Charles, at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, during filming for The Royal Family.
Windsor with Prince Charles, 1970
Queen Elizabeth II often enjoyed walking on the estate grounds while off-duty. Here she is seen with Prince Charles in Windsor.
Sunny skies, 1970s
Queen Elizabeth II photographed on a sunny walk with Prince Philip. Their marriage in November 1947 was a true royal love match and flourished over 73 years.
Silver wedding anniversary, 1972
The Royal couple, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip celebrated their silver wedding anniversary at Balmoral Castle in 1972. The couple also celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in November 2020 on the estate and remained there together during lockdown.
Badminton with her mother and sister, 1973
Queen Elizabeth II with the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret at the Badminton Horse Trials in 1973. It was an event they regularly attended.
Snap happy, 1973
Off-duty, Queen Elizabeth II was often seen with a camera in hand. Here she was holding her gold Rollei camera during a visit to the Badminton Horse Trials.
Beaming at the camera, 1975
Queen Elizabeth II looks particularly stylish wearing a silk headscarf, blue coat and tartan skirt as she smiles at the camera during the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1975.
Smiling in the rain, 1975
Her Majesty was caught laughing in the rain during the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1975.
Presenting prizes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, 1975
The Queen looks happy despite the mud at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. She had an affection for animals from a young age.
Camel Racing, 1979
Queen Elizabeth II speaks with The Emir of Bahrain as they watch horse and camel racing in 1979.
Windsor Castle with Prince Philip, 1980s
Queen Elizabeth II pictured in conversation with her husband, Prince Philip, in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Looking relaxed during Grand Prix, 1982
Queen Elizabeth II beams as she watches the International Driving Grand Prix in Windsor in 1982. Holding her camera, she was ready to capture the day.
Filming at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, 1982
Queen Elizabeth II takes photographs at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1982. Her love of horses was a passion she shared with her mother.
With Prince Edward at Royal Windsor Horse Show, 1982
Queen Elizabeth II was photographed with her youngest son, Prince Edward, at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1982.
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