ITV viewers couldn't help but have a giggle after the cameras caught the Queen looking 'not amused' during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Windsor Castle. After cancelling more engagements, including the State Opening of Parliament earlier this month, the 96-year-old monarch was honoured with a standing ovation as she arrived at the arena close to her home.
She and the other 4,000 people in the audience were treated to a star-studded equestrian extravaganza featuring some of the world’s leading performers in what was the first major event marking the Queen’s 70-year reign. A Gallop Through History chronicled the events of the first Elizabethan age, from the attempted invasion of the Spanish Armada to leading figures of the day like William Shakespeare.
Highlights included the Royal Cavalry of Oman who filled the arena with their display of horsemanship, which had the Queen smiling, including the sight of horses lying down on command, and the precision marching and rifle handling skills of the King’s Guard of Norway. Among the celebrities taking part in the show were Damian Lewis and Katherine Jenkins, an all-star cast of British and international talent for Sunday’s performance which was broadcast live by ITV.
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But it was Dame Helen Mirren, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of the Queen in the film of the same name, who caught the attention of viewers as she played Queen Elizabeth I as the show began. Dame Helen, 76, looked completely different she took to the arena dressed in a golden gown and stiffened corset.
Viewers, however, couldn't help but noticed that the Queen herself dropped her smile as the cameras panned to show her reaction as she sat in the royal box with a blanket over her knees and a shawl around her shoulders. @emilylea tweeted: "Not amused: judging by the Queen’s expression after seeing Helen Mirren’s depiction of Elizabeth I."
@booksandbowie said: "The Queen's face after the Helen Mirren bit," alongside a sting of crying with laughter emojis. @Queenie_2312 wrote: "Jesus Christ, the Queen did not look amused at Dame Helen Mirren’s performance then did she #TheQueen #Jubilee #PlatinumJubilee."
@mjc0ughl4n added: "So from the Queen's facial expressions, I think the only thing she hasn't enjoyed is Helen Mirren's portrayal of Elizabeth I. #PlatinumJubilee."
Later, Dame Helen gave a heartfelt tribute to the Queen, telling the head of state: "For all these years you have carried our nation. You have been at its heart, its drumbeat. You have given us purpose and when situations have been challenging your hope, guidance and leadership have been unswerving.
"I address you on behalf of all your loyal subjects. We commend and admire the way that you carry out the affairs of state with such dexterity and poise. I therefore speak on behalf of a grateful nation and commonwealth when I give you our sincere and most loving thanks."
The Queen, who turned 96 earlier this year, even had a brilliant response to comedian Omid Djalili, who acted as the narrator for the event, who could not resist a joke and said to the monarch: "Thank you for choosing us over the State Opening of Parliament," after the head of state withdrew from attending last week and sent Prince Charles in her place.
A screengrab of the moment shared on Twitter showed the Queen raise her hand in response as if to signal that was in attendance. At another point the Queen was also spotted picking up her handbag and she reached inside for her lipstick and applied a new coat to her lips.
