Queen’s speech LIVE – Colossal moment as Her Maj’s health makes Prince Charles

Inside Queen’s ‘doting’ relationship with her grandchildren

TO everyone around her she is “Your Majesty” or “Ma’am”, but to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis the Queen is simply: “Gan-gan”.

And Queen Elizabeth loves the nickname, taking her role — which sees her delight in choosing presents for her 12 great-grandchildren, teaching them to ride and even enjoying a splash-about in the pool at Buckingham Palace — very seriously.

When the Queen acceded the throne in 1952, she was a young mum to Charles and Anne, and even after the arrival of Andrew and Edward, a combination of strict nannies and royal duties meant she didn’t have much time for her children.

It was very different when she became “Granny” in 1977 with the birth of Peter Philips and she doted on him, his sister Zara, Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

The 96-year-old has also become particularly close to her youngest grandchildren, Lady Louise, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14 — Prince Edward and Sophie’s children, who visit her regularly at Windsor Castle.

A former courtier observed: “The Queen is extremely fond of her family and loves having them around her, particularly the grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they get a little older.” 

Find out more about the Queen’s surprise gifts.