Late Queen’s five word comment to superstar athlete speaks volumes about her sense of humour

The late Queen was known to have a wicked sense of humour, and she had a particularly witty exchange with British diver Tom Daley in 2016, as they discussed the Olympic Games.

The monarch often poked fun at herself during engagements – and she did just that during a meeting with Tom, who later recalled their conversation on Swedish chat show Skavlan. Tom said: “She commented on her height compared to some of the other athletes in the room and because me and the other athletes were quite small, she said, ‘Maybe I should try gymnastics’. She was fully game to get involved in the sport.”

Just one year later, the late Queen again expressed her love for gymnastics while awarding six-time Olympic Games medallist Max Whitlock. In an interview following the ceremony, Max revealed details of their exchange, revealing that the Queen told him that “she loved watching the gymnastics because the stuff that we do doesn’t seem possible”. “It was pretty cool to hear the Queen say she likes the sport,” he added.

The late Queen’s love for gymnastics is something she shared with her great-granddaughter Princess Charlotte. At the Commonwealth Games in 2022, the young royal revealed that gymnastics was her favourite sport. SportsAid boss Tim Lawler gave an insight into Charlotte’s favourite hobbies after a brief chat with the young royal, saying: “She really, really loved seeing the swimming, but she’s interested in the gymnastics.” He added: “While they’re trying lots of different sports at home, when I asked her about sport she answered very easily and said, ‘It’s gymnastics that I like’.”

During a visit to Ireland in 2020, Princess Kate confirmed that her daughter was forever doing cartwheels and handstands, and in 2023 she again discussed Charlotte’s prowess. The proud mum was seen chatting with youngsters in a gymnastics lesson at the centre in Port Talbot, asking, “Can you perform the splits?” As Grace Evans, six, gave a demonstration, Kate told her: “My little girl [Charlotte] likes to do that too.”

The Princess further revealed that she had been able to do the splits when she was little, adding, “But I’ll have to keep practising now!” Kate is well known for her love of sport – something she has passed on to her children. The royal is patron of SportsAid and All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, as well as the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League.

The many activities Kate has been seen getting stuck into over the years include rowing, sailing, tennis, cricket, rugby and even abseiling. She also battled it out with her sporty husband William during a spin class. The Princess and Prince rolled up their sleeves and started pedalling away during the visit to South Wales. And despite wearing a long skirt and heeled boots, athletic Kate was victorious as she completed the 45-second challenge, receiving a gold cup for her efforts.