The real reason why Queen Elizabeth II loved going on tour to Australia
The late Queen reportedly loved going on tour to Australia and was embraced by the public there on each visit, a source close to Her Majesty has said.
Queen Elizabeth went on a number of royal tours during her reign, however a source who worked with the late Queen for 18 years has now revealed just why the monarch enjoyed going to Australia so much.
Samantha Cohen did three royal tours in Australia with Her Majesty in 2002, 2006 and 2011. Cohen, from Australia, began working for Queen Elizabeth in the press office for Buckingham Palace before later becoming her assistant private secretary.
The pair had a close bond, with Cohen having lunch and dinner daily with Her Majesty and Prince Philip regardless of which royal residence they were based at.
In a recent interview with The Times, Cohen spoke fondly about the late Queen and also shared insights about the monarch’s love for Australia.
The interview comes just before King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to jet off on their royal tour of Australia and Samoa.
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Speaking to The Times about the late Queen and her fondness for Australia, Cohen said: “She loved it, she loved them, it was palpable.
“I think it was quite relaxing for her to be in Australia, because there was less protocol.
“At the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne [2006], someone just came up and gave her a hug. She liked our straightness. We laughed a lot.”
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Cohen also shared how although some Australians wanted to become a Republic, many still adored the late Queen and gathered in their hundreds to catch a glimpse of her during these tours, especially in 2011.
The late Queen, who was then 85, was welcomed with open arms in Australia during her last visit to the country as many understood this could be their last opportunity to see her.
Cohen told The Times: “She was overwhelmed by the number of people who came out.
“She was a countrywoman, so she could talk to people about cattle, horses and dogs, and was equally comfortable speaking in parliament. She tapped into all walks of life and she listened, she really listened. That was her superpower.”
