In a world where celebrities often dominate headlines with grand gestures and public displays, it's refreshing to hear stories of those in the limelight who manage to maintain a sense of humility and personal touch. One such individual was the late Queen Elizabeth II, whose acts of kindness and down-to-earth demeanor have been fondly remembered by a former aide, Samantha Cohen, who worked closely with her for 18 years.


Samantha Cohen's journey with the Queen began long before she stepped into the role of an aide. As a schoolgirl in Brisbane, she caught a glimpse of the monarch during her Silver Jubilee year visit to Australia in 1977, an event that left her 'beyond excited'. Little did she know that she would later become one of the Queen's most trusted aides and closest confidantes.


Cohen's career with the Royal Family saw her rise from the press office to the Queen's communications secretary and eventually to her assistant private secretary. Her duties brought her into almost daily contact with the Queen, accompanying her on three Australian tours and witnessing the monarch's personal side that few others had the privilege to see.


The relationship between Cohen and the Queen was one of mutual respect. The Queen, known for not having favourites, was described by Cohen as an 'incredible' employer who valued the efforts of her staff to make her life 'as easy as possible'. This dedication was reciprocated by the Queen in various thoughtful ways.

For instance, during summers at Balmoral and Christmases at Sandringham, Cohen and her family were given a cottage to stay in, complete with gifts from the Queen that bore handwritten tags. These personal touches extended to the Queen's interactions with Cohen's children, who would sometimes encounter Her Majesty during their stays. The Queen, a 'shy' person at heart, cherished these moments of privacy and family time, away from the public eye.

Cohen also shared insights into the Queen's personality, describing her as 'gutsy' and a lover of driving her cars fast around Balmoral, much to the thrill (or perhaps the terror) of her passengers. Despite her status as one of the world's most famous people, the Queen was said to have 'no ego' and was 'the antithesis of celebrity'. She took her role seriously, performing it to perfection while keeping it separate from her personal identity.


The Queen's approach to her public duties was also marked by a sense of enjoyment and relaxation, particularly during her Australian tours, which were seen as less formal and more laid-back. Her love for her role and her subjects was evident in her speech following the 1999 referendum in Australia, where she gracefully acknowledged the decision of the Australian people regarding the future of the monarchy.

After nearly two decades of service, Cohen left the Royal Family in 2019, having been asked by the Queen to lend her expertise to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after their wedding. Her tenure with the royals was marked by high regard, as evidenced by her involvement in the 'Sandringham summit' and her being made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order for her personal service to the monarch.

Cohen's favorite memories of working for the Queen include a delightful day trip to Italy for lunch with then-president Giorgio Napolitano and a visit to Pope Francis, showcasing the Queen's adventurous spirit even at the age of 88.


As we reflect on the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, stories like Cohen's remind us of the unique blend of duty, kindness, and humanity that she brought to her role as a monarch. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, her dedication to her family and country, and her personal touch in the lives of those who served her are qualities that will be remembered and cherished by many.
To our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, we invite you to share your own experiences or encounters with the Queen or any acts of kindness by public figures that have touched your lives. Let's celebrate the personal connections that can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places, even among those who live in the spotlight.