Queen Elizabeth has always been revered as one of the most well-mannered and respected figures in the nation. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, the late monarch’s trusted aide, Samantha Cohen, fondly recalled some of her favorite moments with the Queen, including her love for driving cars around the picturesque Balmoral Castle.
Having served as a personal assistant to her royal highness for nearly 18 years, Cohen’s bond with the Queen was truly special, lasting until the former’s passing at the age of 96 in September 2022. Describing the Queen as “shy” yet “gutsy,” Cohen painted a vivid picture of Elizabeth’s affinity for spending time at Balmoral Castle, where she would often welcome other family members to join her during the summers.
Reflecting on the royal summers, Cohen shared, “It was a time of great importance to her. She took delight in hosting everyone for the summer, personally assigning rooms and ensuring everything was in order.”
Hailing from Australia, Cohen had previously worked for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex before transitioning to become the Queen’s private secretary in 2018. Recalling her cherished moments with the late monarch, Cohen reminisced, “She would speed around Balmoral in her cars, displaying remarkable courage.” In addition to her love for cars, Queen Elizabeth also had a passion for horseback riding.
Cohen fondly recounted how her children would often encounter the Queen while she was out riding her horse. “Some mornings, as I prepared breakfast, my kids would excitedly exclaim, ‘Mum! The Queen just rode past on her horse.’ Other times, they would bump into her while riding their bicycles,” she shared. “The Queen cherished seeing families enjoying themselves and hearing about their activities.”
Samantha revealed that the Queen was incredibly warm and welcoming towards her and her children, personally selecting Christmas gifts for the family members, including Cohen, and presenting them with handwritten cards on special occasions. Despite sharing lighthearted moments with the late Queen Elizabeth, Samantha Cohen emphasized that their relationship was always marked by deep respect.
Queen Elizabeth’s passing in September 2022 marked the end of an era, with her son, King Charles, ascending to the throne. The legacy of this remarkable monarch lives on through the cherished memories and stories shared by those who knew her best.
