Sometimes even the smallest acts of kindness can certainly make an impression on others — even if they happen to be royalty. 
 
 According to Andrew Simes, his grandfather sent a Christmas card to Queen Elizabeth II every holiday season, from 1952 until his death in 2011. When Andrew took up the mantle of card-writing from his late grandfather that winter, he says he received an amazing response from the royal highness herself. 
 
 See also: College kid recruits fake family for Christmas card prank 
 
 Ever since Grandpa could remember, he made sure to send a Christmas card to his king/queen. So naturally, since 1952,... Posted by Andrew Simes on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 
 
 Simes posted on Facebook about the exchange, describing his grandfather's tradition and the Queen's response: 
 
 Ever since Grandpa could remember, he made sure to send a Christmas card to his king/queen. So naturally, since 1952, Elizabeth II kept receiving his mail. As chance would have it, their paths crossed at a reception in Izmir, Turkey in 1972. When it was his turn to be introduced to the Queen, instead of a formal handshake, she paused, smiled, and quipped: "so its you who keeps sending me those lovely Christmas cards." Of all her subjects, Grandpa stood out (perhaps because he mailed his letters from Turkey), but what a memory and level of kindness on the Queen's part. She even wrote him to congratulate him on his 100th birthday. Sadly, Grandpa passed away in the summer of 2011 at the age of 102. As a loyal grandson, admirer and student of his, I took it upon myself to continue writing our Queen every year to show our appreciation. And I started that very first Christmas after Grandpa's passing. In January 2012, about a month after Christmas, I received a letter. The envelope suggested that it was sent from Buckingham Palace. In it was written: "When I received a letter from a different Simes this Christmas, I instructed my office to research your grandfather's whereabouts. Therefore it is with much sadness, I have learned of his passing and extend my condolences to you and your family." I couldn't fight back the tears then, nor can I fight them back every time I remember this story of two people who left a lifelong impression on each other. And today, just as every year, I sent my Christmas cards... but top of the list was reserved for Her Majesty. Wishing you all a Christmas as magical as this story. 
 
 Receiving a letter from the Queen may be even more of a Christmas miracle than a letter from St. Nicholas himself! And it's proof that we should all endeavor to send more Christmas cards — because you never know when they could brighten someone's day. ||||| CLOSE Queen Elizabeth II is one of the longest reigning monarchs. But just because she's a Queen, doesn't mean she doesn't put her pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us common folks. USA TODAY 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, turned 90 on April 21. In celebration of her birthday, here are 90 facts about her life: 
 
 1. She was born at 2:40 a.m. on April 21, 1926, at 17 Burton St. in Mayfair, London. 
 
 2. She was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary at Buckingham Palace on May 29, 1926. 
 
 3. Elizabeth was named after her mother. 
 
 4. In 1930, then-Princess Elizabeth's sister Margaret Rose was born. 
 
 5. When King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth's father became King George VI. 
 
 6. After the 1936 abdication, Princess Elizabeth became first in line to the throne. 
 
 7. During World War II, Elizabeth and sister Margaret moved to Windsor Castle for their safety. 
 
 8. Elizabeth was educated at home. 
 
 9. She studied constitutional history and law, preparing for her future role as queen. 
 
 10. She was also instructed in religion by the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 11. Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip met at a wedding in 1934. 
 
 12. Elizabeth learned how to drive in 1945. 
 
 13. Elizabeth and Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, were married at Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. 
 
 14. For a while, Elizabeth and Philip enjoyed a somewhat normal existence in Malta between 1949 and 1951. Philip was an officer in the Mediterranean Fleet. 
 
 15. Elizabeth became queen when King George VI died in February 1952. 
 
 16. In 1953, Elizabeth II attended her first football match (FA Cup Final). 
 
 17. Elizabeth had four children (Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward). 
 
 18. She has made five official visits to the United States during her reign. 
 
 19. Elizabeth II has answered over 3.5 million items of correspondence. 
 
 20. She has owned over 30 corgis. Her first dog was named Susan. 
 
 21. Elizabeth says Prince Phillip has been her "strength and stay" during her reign. 
 
 22. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh became the first couple in the Royal Family to celebrate 60 years of marriage, also known as their diamond wedding anniversary. 
 
 23. For her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the queen received over 120,000 cards, letter and gifts. 
 
 24. Her coronation was the first to be televised in England. 
 
 25. Her great-grandson Prince George calls her "Gan-Gan." 
 
 26. The oldest recipient of a message from the queen was a man from Canada who turned 116 in December 1984. 
 
 27. Elizabeth carries cash in her purse only on Sundays; she donates money to her church. 
 
 28. The queen learned of her father's death while she was in Kenya. 
 
 29. The last British governor of New South Wales made three films, entitled Long to reign over us about Elizabeth's accession and coronation 
 
 30. She was coronated in Westminster Abbey in June 1953. 
 
 31. It was raining during her coronation. 
 
 32. Drives through London, visits to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and a review of the fleet at Spithead followed the coronation. 
 
 33. In three months in 1977, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her accession, Elizabeth went on six tours that took her through 36 counties in the UK and Northern Ireland. 
 
 34. In that same year, her travels continued overseas to countries including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and other countries. 
 
 35. That year, it's estimated that the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh traveled 56,000 miles. 
 
 36. That June, she lit a a bonfire beacon that began a chain of celebratory beacons across the country. 
 
 37. The next day, after making a speech during which she declared she had no regrets in taking on her responsibilities, 4,000 street and village parties were reported to have been held across the country. 
 
 38. In 2002, she celebrated 50 years of reign. 
 
 39. During that year, she visited every region of the UK, as well as many other countries. 
 
 40. June 2002 was the main focus of the celebration, and involved services as well as two concerts including artists such as Paul McCartney and Elton John. 
 
 41. During Elizabeth's 80th-birthday celebrations, she held a "Children's Party at the Palace" and invited 2,000 kids. 
 
 42. On April 19, two days before her birthday, she invited guests who also turned 80 years old to Buckingham Palace. 
 
 43. She spent April 21 meeting the crowds in Windsor before a family dinner, with fireworks. 
 
 44. During the year, she received almost 40,000 birthday messages from the public. 
 
 45. For the queen's 60th wedding anniversary, she returned to her honeymoon location, Broadlands in Hampshire; she and Philip recreated their wedding photos. 
 
 46. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Trust took donations for initiatives like Queen's Young Leaders. 
 
 47. The queen's favorite animals are horses and dogs. 
 
 48. She regularly attends both the Derby at Epsom and the Summer Race Meeting at Ascot. 
 
 49. Elizabeth owns and breeds thoroughbreds and often watches her horses race at other events, where they have won numerous times. 
 
 50. She also is interested in Scottish country dancing, and she gives annual dances for the community. 
 
 51. She gives to almost 40 animal-related organizations as well as almost 90 medical and health-care charities, in addition to the hundreds of other organizations she is involved with. 
 
 52. The queen celebrates her birthday twice — once in April and once in June — because sovereign birthdays are often celebrated twice when not naturally in the summer. 
 
 53. Once a week for an hour, she meets with Britain's prime minister. 
 
 54. The queen speaks fluent French. 
 
 55. Norman Hartnell designed the queen's wedding and coronation gowns, as well as her dress for her first visit to the U.S. as monarch. 
 
 CLOSE Queen Elizabeth II is now the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Here are five things you might not know about her. VPC 
 
 56. Queen Elizabeth II is the 40th monarch since William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066. 
 
 57. There have been 12 U.S. presidents since she first began her reign. 
 
 58. There have been seven Roman Catholic popes during her time as monarch. 
 
 59. The queen was a Girl Guide as a child, as well as a Sea Ranger (a portion of Girl Guides dedicated to sailing). 
 
 60. Elizabeth has 30 godchildren. 
 
 61. Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to visit China in 1986. 
 
 62. She sent her first email in 1976 from a British research facility. 
 
 63. Since she began her reign, there have been six Archbishops of Canterbury. 
 
 64. She bred a corgi with a dachshund and created the dorgi, and has continued to breed them since. 
 
 65. The queen once had to demote a footman for putting whiskey and gin in one of her corgi's water bowls. 
 
 66. She is the oldest to celebrate 60 years in the crown, second only to Queen Victoria who celebrated the milestone at 77. 
 
 67. In summer 2005, she opened the first children's trail in the Buckingham Palace garden. 
 
 68. The British Monarchy Youtube channel launched in 2007 and has almost 56 million views and more than 150,000 subscribers. 
 
 69. The queen is the only person in the UK who doesn't need a driver's license or a license plate to drive. 
 
 70. Elizabeth also does not need a passport to travel internationally. 
 
 71. As a princess, Elizabeth drove a truck and trained as a mechanic in World War II. 
 
 72. Whales, dolphins, porpoises and sturgeons are considered “Fishes Royal" and therefore the property of the monarch when caught within three miles of the UK coast. 
 
 73. The queen, when gifted rare animals such as jaguars, donates them to the London Zoo. 
 
 74. To pay for her wedding dress materials, she collected rationing coupons. 
 
 75. She has visited more than 115 countries. 
 
 76. After visiting Belfast in 2014, she referenced her June Game of Thrones set tour in her Christmas message. She even met some of the actors. 
 
 78. Her love of dogs came from her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria, who owned dachshunds and Scottish collies. 
 
 79. Only five other British kings and queens have ruled for 50 years or more. 
 
 80. Since her rule began, she has visited Edinburgh nearly every year during Holyrood Week. She stays in the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 
 
 81. Queen Elizabeth II has given royal assent to, or passed, more than 3,500 Acts of Parliament after passed by the houses of Lords and Commons. 
 
 82. The queen has visited the Vatican three times, most recently to visit Pope Francis in 2014. 
 
 83. The Royal Yacht Britannia traveled over 1 million miles in the more than 40 years it was in use by the royal family — that's an average of 25,000 miles a year. 
 
 84. The queen has traveled overseas more than 250 times. 
 
 85. Elizabeth has attended every Parliament opening with the exception of two, during which she was expecting two of her children. 
 
 86. Two of the more recent prime ministers were born during her reign: Tony Blair and David Cameron were born in 1953 and 1966, respectively. 
 
 87. Her love of horses began with a gift of a pony for her third birthday. 
 
 88. The queen usually receives around 60,000 letters a year. 
 
 89. She made a radio broadcast in 1940 at the age of 14. 
 
 90. The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have sent more than 45,000 Christmas cards. 
 
 Sources: Royal.gov.uk; USA TODAY research 
 
 Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1WeHam4 ||||| Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 90th birthday on Thursday. Veteran CNN royal-watcher Roger Clark recalls the time he met the Queen, reflects on her six decades of public service and asks what it is that makes her so popular. For full coverage of the British royal family, head to cnn.com/royals 
 
 (CNN) King George VI once told his daughter she wouldn't remember most of the people she would meet in her life. But His Majesty said those very people would always remember the day THEY met HER. 
 
 I know exactly what he meant. I doubt the Queen tells her friends about the day she met me but let's just say I've mentioned the occasion once or twice! 
 
 It was a meeting I'll never forget -- I think I even have a picture on the wall at home of us chatting together at Windsor Castle. I wanted to make a good impression. I'm not normally lost for words but I did struggle a bit that day. 
 
 On June 10, Buckingham Palace released a new official photograph to mark the Queen's 90th birthday. It shows Queen Elizabeth II with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and was taken at Windsor Castle just after Easter. 
 
 On June 10, Buckingham Palace released a new official photograph to mark the Queen's 90th birthday. It shows Queen Elizabeth II with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and was taken at Windsor Castle just after Easter. 
 
 This undated photo provided by HM The Queen shows the then Princess Elizabeth, left, Princess Margaret and their father King George VI in Britain. Rare footage of Britain's Queen Elizabeth has been shared to celebrate her 90th birthday. (Courtesy of HM The Queen via AP) NO SALES NO ARCHIVES 
 
 This undated photo provided by HM The Queen shows the then Princess Elizabeth, left, Princess Margaret and their father King George VI in Britain. Rare footage of Britain's Queen Elizabeth has been shared to celebrate her 90th birthday. (Courtesy of HM The Queen via AP) NO SALES NO ARCHIVES 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II acknowledges the crowd as she celebrates her 90th birthday in Windsor, England, on April 21. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II acknowledges the crowd as she celebrates her 90th birthday in Windsor, England, on April 21. 
 
 Prince George gets a boost from some foam blocks for a special family photo. The portrait, featuring the four generations of the House of Windsor, was commissioned by the Royal Mail and will be featured on a series of stamps to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday. 
 
 Prince George gets a boost from some foam blocks for a special family photo. The portrait, featuring the four generations of the House of Windsor, was commissioned by the Royal Mail and will be featured on a series of stamps to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday. 
 
 The British monarch greets the public after attending services at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, West Newton, on February 7, 2016, near King's Lynn, England. 
 
 The British monarch greets the public after attending services at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, West Newton, on February 7, 2016, near King's Lynn, England. 
 
 The Queen sits at a desk in Buckingham Palace in July 2015. 
 
 The Queen sits at a desk in Buckingham Palace in July 2015. 
 
 The Queen waits to give her speech during the State Opening of Parliament on May 27, 2015. 
 
 The Queen waits to give her speech during the State Opening of Parliament on May 27, 2015. 
 
 The Queen enters the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle after attending a commemorative service for the Scottish National War Memorial in July 2014. 
 
 The Queen enters the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle after attending a commemorative service for the Scottish National War Memorial in July 2014. 
 
 A boy in Belfast, Northern Ireland, takes a selfie in front of the Queen in June 2014. 
 
 A boy in Belfast, Northern Ireland, takes a selfie in front of the Queen in June 2014. 
 
 The Queen tours the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London in December 2012. 
 
 The Queen tours the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London in December 2012. 
 
 The Queen speaks at a reception for members of the International Olympic Committee on July 23, 2012. 
 
 The Queen speaks at a reception for members of the International Olympic Committee on July 23, 2012. 
 
 Prince Charles kisses his mother's hand on stage as singer Paul McCartney, far right, looks on at the Diamond Jubilee concert held June 4, 2012, at Buckingham Palace. The Diamond Jubilee celebrations marked Elizabeth's 60th anniversary as Queen. 
 
 Prince Charles kisses his mother's hand on stage as singer Paul McCartney, far right, looks on at the Diamond Jubilee concert held June 4, 2012, at Buckingham Palace. The Diamond Jubilee celebrations marked Elizabeth's 60th anniversary as Queen. 
 
 Madame Tussauds London reveals a wax figure of the Queen in May 2012. 
 
 Madame Tussauds London reveals a wax figure of the Queen in May 2012. 
 
 Flags are waved as Queen Elizabeth II leaves St. Paul's Cathedral following its 300th anniversary service in June 2011. 
 
 Flags are waved as Queen Elizabeth II leaves St. Paul's Cathedral following its 300th anniversary service in June 2011. 
 
 The Queen's signature is seen in the visitors book at Aras An Uachtarain, the Irish President's official residence in Dublin, Ireland, in May 2011. 
 
 The Queen's signature is seen in the visitors book at Aras An Uachtarain, the Irish President's official residence in Dublin, Ireland, in May 2011. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II drives her Range Rover as she attends the Windsor Horse Show in May 2011. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II drives her Range Rover as she attends the Windsor Horse Show in May 2011. 
 
 The Queen, second from right, greets a crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011. Her grandson Prince William, third from left, had just married Catherine Middleton. 
 
 The Queen, second from right, greets a crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011. Her grandson Prince William, third from left, had just married Catherine Middleton. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip leave London's St. Paul's Cathedral on October 9, 2009, following a commemoration service to mark the end of combat operations in Iraq. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip leave London's St. Paul's Cathedral on October 9, 2009, following a commemoration service to mark the end of combat operations in Iraq. 
 
 Prince Charles looks back at his mother after wedding Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in April 2005. 
 
 Prince Charles looks back at his mother after wedding Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in April 2005. 
 
 The Queen addresses the nation on the night before Princess Diana's funeral in 1997. 
 
 The Queen addresses the nation on the night before Princess Diana's funeral in 1997. 
 
 While at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip view the floral tributes to Princess Diana after her tragic death in 1997. 
 
 While at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip view the floral tributes to Princess Diana after her tragic death in 1997. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II fires a rifle during a visit to the Army Rifle Association at Bisley, England, in July 1993. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II fires a rifle during a visit to the Army Rifle Association at Bisley, England, in July 1993. 
 
 The Queen reacts to an elephant as she tours a charity event in London's Hyde Park in June 1987. 
 
 The Queen reacts to an elephant as she tours a charity event in London's Hyde Park in June 1987. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II takes pictures of her husband during a horse show in Windsor, England, on May 16, 1982. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II takes pictures of her husband during a horse show in Windsor, England, on May 16, 1982. 
 
 The Queen stands next to Prince Charles as he kisses his new bride, Princess Diana, on their wedding day July 29, 1981. 
 
 The Queen stands next to Prince Charles as he kisses his new bride, Princess Diana, on their wedding day July 29, 1981. 
 
 The Queen meets the crowds during her royal tour of New Zealand in 1977. 
 
 The Queen meets the crowds during her royal tour of New Zealand in 1977. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II takes a portrait at Windsor Castle for her 50th birthday on April 21, 1976. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II takes a portrait at Windsor Castle for her 50th birthday on April 21, 1976. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wave from a plane ramp shortly before taking off from Tokyo in May 1975. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wave from a plane ramp shortly before taking off from Tokyo in May 1975. 
 
 Prince Charles adjusts his coronet during his investiture ceremony as Prince of Wales in 1969. 
 
 Prince Charles adjusts his coronet during his investiture ceremony as Prince of Wales in 1969. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II is seen during the State Opening of Parliament in April 1966. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II is seen during the State Opening of Parliament in April 1966. 
 
 The Queen holds her son Prince Andrew while his sister, Princess Anne, watches during a family holiday at Scotland's Balmoral Castle in September 1960. 
 
 The Queen holds her son Prince Andrew while his sister, Princess Anne, watches during a family holiday at Scotland's Balmoral Castle in September 1960. 
 
 From left, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother visit Epsom Downs Racecourse in June 1958. 
 
 From left, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother visit Epsom Downs Racecourse in June 1958. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II on the balcony of Melbourne's Government House, during her tour of Australia in March 1954. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II on the balcony of Melbourne's Government House, during her tour of Australia in March 1954. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II walks to the altar during her coronation ceremony on June 2, 1953. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth II walks to the altar during her coronation ceremony on June 2, 1953. 
 
 Elizabeth ascended to the throne in February 1952, when her father died of lung cancer. Here, the new Queen leaves the Royal Archers Hall in Edinburgh after a ball in June 1952. It was the first function she attended as Queen following her father's death. 
 
 Elizabeth ascended to the throne in February 1952, when her father died of lung cancer. Here, the new Queen leaves the Royal Archers Hall in Edinburgh after a ball in June 1952. It was the first function she attended as Queen following her father's death. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth smiles in March 1950 as she arrives to a state banquet at the French Embassy in London's Kensington Palace Gardens. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth smiles in March 1950 as she arrives to a state banquet at the French Embassy in London's Kensington Palace Gardens. 
 
 The Royal Wedding Party waves from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on November 20, 1947. After becoming a British citizen and renouncing his Greek title, Philip became His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His wife became the Duchess of Edinburgh. 
 
 The Royal Wedding Party waves from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on November 20, 1947. After becoming a British citizen and renouncing his Greek title, Philip became His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His wife became the Duchess of Edinburgh. 
 
 This portrait of the British royal family was taken in July 1947, after Princess Elizabeth, far left, got engaged to Prince Philip of Greece, a lieutenant in the British Navy. He is second from left. To his left are Queen Elizabeth, King George VI and Princess Margaret. 
 
 This portrait of the British royal family was taken in July 1947, after Princess Elizabeth, far left, got engaged to Prince Philip of Greece, a lieutenant in the British Navy. He is second from left. To his left are Queen Elizabeth, King George VI and Princess Margaret. 
 
 With the Drakensberg Mountains behind her, Princess Elizabeth sits in South Africa's Natal National Park on April 21, 1947, her 21st birthday. 
 
 With the Drakensberg Mountains behind her, Princess Elizabeth sits in South Africa's Natal National Park on April 21, 1947, her 21st birthday. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth shakes hands with an officer of the Grenadier Guards on May 29, 1942. King George VI made Elizabeth an honorary colonel in the Royal Army regiment. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth shakes hands with an officer of the Grenadier Guards on May 29, 1942. King George VI made Elizabeth an honorary colonel in the Royal Army regiment. 
 
 A 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth, right, sits next to her sister for a radio broadcast on October 13, 1940. On the broadcast, her first, she said that England's children were full of cheerfulness and courage. 
 
 A 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth, right, sits next to her sister for a radio broadcast on October 13, 1940. On the broadcast, her first, she said that England's children were full of cheerfulness and courage. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth, center, sits with her parents and two dogs in an undated photos. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth, center, sits with her parents and two dogs in an undated photos. 
 
 From left, Princess Elizabeth, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret wave to the crowd from the Royal Balcony of Buckingham Palace on June 22, 1939. 
 
 From left, Princess Elizabeth, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret wave to the crowd from the Royal Balcony of Buckingham Palace on June 22, 1939. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth is seen in the Duchess' box during a pantomime act at London's Lyceum Theater in February 1935. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth is seen in the Duchess' box during a pantomime act at London's Lyceum Theater in February 1935. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth is seen with her uncle Edward, Prince of Wales, during a visit to Balmoral, Scotland, in September 1933. He would go on to become King Edward VIII in 1936. But when he abdicated later that year, Elizabeth's father became King and she became heir presumptive. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth is seen with her uncle Edward, Prince of Wales, during a visit to Balmoral, Scotland, in September 1933. He would go on to become King Edward VIII in 1936. But when he abdicated later that year, Elizabeth's father became King and she became heir presumptive. 
 
 Elizabeth was born April 21, 1926, in London. She is held here by her mother, Elizabeth. Her father would later become King George VI. 
 
 Elizabeth was born April 21, 1926, in London. She is held here by her mother, Elizabeth. Her father would later become King George VI. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Look back at moments from her life so far. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Look back at moments from her life so far. 
 
 I was covering the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and we'd asked the Palace if on the opening day, she would adjust her schedule by a few minutes to help the broadcasters. The Palace agreed. 
 
 So when I met Her Majesty, I thanked her for changing her schedule. Unfortunately, I pronounced it "SKedule" not "SHedule. I'd used the American pronunciation in front of the Queen AND in her Castle. Brilliant move! She gently corrected me and then laughed. 
 
 The King was right. I still remember our meeting, which is why, even during my years living in America, I never use the American pronunciation. And if any one questions me about it, I tell them to ring Buckingham Palace for an explanation! 
 
 Stage presence 
 
 When you meet the Queen, she tries to put you at ease. But it's still nerve wracking. After I'd shaken her hand, I thought about all those world leaders, pop stars, sports legends and others who've shaken THAT hand. Despite being 5'4" tall, the Queen has enormous presence when she enters the room. It's a most unusual feeling. 
 
 My first encounter with Her Majesty came during her Silver Jubilee in 1977. She visited my hometown of Hull in the North of England. I wonder if she'd forgiven the city for rising up against one of her predecessors, King Charles I. 
 
 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch, turns 90 on April 21. She is seen here with her parents, the Queen Mother and King George VI, (then the Duke and Duchess of York) on May 1, 1926, at her christening. Take a look at other images from the Queen's first year. Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year Family photo on the day of the christening of Princess Elizabeth on May 29, 1926. The Duke of Connaught, back row left, King George V, the Duke of York and the Earl of Strathmore. Lady Elphinstone, front row left, Queen Mary, the Duchess of York with Princess Elizabeth, the Countess of Strathmore and Princess Mary. Hide Caption 2 of 10 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year Princess Elizabeth in 1926. Hide Caption 3 of 10 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year The Duchess of York looks lovingly at her first child, Princess Elizabeth, in May 1926. Hide Caption 4 of 10 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year Queen Mary of Great Britain with her granddaughter Princess Elizabeth after her christening. Hide Caption 5 of 10 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year Princess Elizabeth at 6 months old. Hide Caption 6 of 10 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year Portrait of Princess Elizabeth in December 1926. Hide Caption 7 of 10 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year The Duke and Duchess of York with Princess Elizabeth in December 1926. Hide Caption 8 of 10 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year The Duchess of York poses for a portrait with Princess Elizabeth in 1926. Hide Caption 9 of 10 Photos: Queen Elizabeth II: Her first year Queen Mary with her granddaughter Princess Elizabeth on the day of her 1st birthday, April 21, 1927. Hide Caption 10 of 10 
 
 The protests had ignited the English Civil War that led to the King losing his head -- and all future monarchs ruling not through the Divine Right, but with the blessing of their people. That first sight of the Queen was one I'll always remember. We didn't see her often in those days before 24 hour news. 
 
 Sure, she was on our stamps, our coins and her picture hung in the school assembly hall. But to see her in the flesh was quite something. I was with hundreds of choirboys that day singing to her. I really hope she doesn't remember that! 
 
 Patience - more than a virtue 
 
 Over the years, I've seen the Queen in action on many Royal visits. God only knows how she does it. She travels all over the world, meets countless people, tries to ensure a routine day for her is a special day for those she meets. 
 
 One event after another, listening to and giving speeches, shaking endless outstretched hands and all with a smile on her face. It must be tough because, in truth, some of the speeches can be dull and some of the events are pretty boring. 
 
 But she can't exactly yawn when she's bored or, indeed, tired. And if she is bored or tired, you'd never know it. 
 
 Little is known about her 
 
 JUST WATCHED The contentious Brexit issue has even reached the Queen Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH The contentious Brexit issue has even reached the Queen 01:37 
 
 Despite being one of the most famous people in the world, very few of her subjects really know much about her. 
 
 She's never given an interview, never written an autobiography. We know she likes horses, corgis and the outdoors. We know also that she's a deeply religious person and has a sense of humor. 
 
 Apparently she's an excellent mimic. But we know nothing about her politics or her views on anything remotely controversial. 
 
 Sense of duty 
 
 Some commentators have criticized her for being a bit remote as a mother. Yet when she put her grandmotherly responsibilities to Princes William and Harry first in the days after Princess Diana died, she was criticized for that too. 
 
 I remember that time very well and the angry mood of the British people -- it was unprecedented. That week saw the biggest wobble of her reign. What a remarkable turnaround that just five years later, millions of people around the Commonwealth came onto the streets to celebrate her Golden Jubilee. 
 
 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family In this undated handout photo released on Sunday, May 1, by Kensington Palace, Britain's Princess Charlotte poses for a photograph at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, England. The princess will celebrate her first birthday on Monday. Hide Caption 1 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Prince William talk with U.S. President Barack Obama at Kensington Palace in London on Friday, April 22. Obama visited the royals during his global tour, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Britain and Germany. Hide Caption 2 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family Prince George gets a boost from some foam blocks for a special family photo. The portrait, featuring the four generations of the House of Windsor, was commissioned by the Royal Mail and will be featured on a series of stamps to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday. Hide Caption 3 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family Britain's Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge pose for a photo with their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George in the French Alps on Thursday, March 3. Hide Caption 4 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family Britain's Prince William poses with Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, during a family Christmas photo released on Friday, December 18. Hide Caption 5 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family Princess Charlotte plays with a stuffed dog in this photo taken by her mother in early November. Hide Caption 6 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family William and Catherine pose with their children at Charlotte's christening in July. Hide Caption 7 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family Princess Charlotte is seen with her big brother for the first time in a photo released by Kensington Palace in June. Hide Caption 8 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family William and Catherine present their newborn daughter as they leave a London hospital in May. Hide Caption 9 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family In March, William and Catherine visit a center dedicated to community learning in London. Hide Caption 10 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The royal family celebrates Prince George's first birthday with a trip to the Natural History Museum in July 2014. Hide Caption 11 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The royal family waves to a crowd before boarding a plance in Wellington, New Zealand, in April 2014. They went on a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand. Hide Caption 12 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The royal couple attends the Tusk Conservation Awards at the Royal Society in London in September 2013. Hide Caption 13 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family William and Catherine start an ultra marathon in Holyhead, Wales, in August 2013. It was Catherine's first public appearance since the birth of Prince George. Hide Caption 14 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The couple are pictured with their newborn boy, Prince George, in 2013. The new parents released two family photographs taken by Michael Middleton, Catherine's father. Hide Caption 15 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The Duke and Duchess and their newborn son depart St. Mary's Hospital in London in July 2013. Hide Caption 16 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family In June 2013, William, Catherine and Prince Harry arrive at Westminster Abbey for a celebration marking the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. Hide Caption 17 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family In April 2013, Harry, Catherine and William make magic on the set used to depict Diagon Alley in the "Harry Potter" films. Hide Caption 18 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The couple attends a St. Patrick's Day parade as they visit Aldershot, England, in March 2013. Hide Caption 19 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family In September 2012, the couple drank coconut milk from a tree that Queen Elizabeth II planted decades ago in the South Pacific nation of Tuvalu. Hide Caption 20 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family Catherine and William celebrate during cycling events at the Olympic Games in London in August 2012. Hide Caption 21 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The Queen, William and Catherine stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the finale of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June 2012. Hide Caption 22 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family As part of their charity work, the couple attended a "healthy living cookery session" in London in December 2011. Hide Caption 23 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The newly married royal couple watches a rodeo demonstration at a government reception in Calgary, Alberta, in July 2011. Hide Caption 24 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family Catherine shovels soil during a tree-planting ceremony in Ottawa in July 2011. Hide Caption 25 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family You can feel the love as the happy couple attends a Snowbirds air show during Canada Day celebrations in July 2011. Hide Caption 26 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama meet with the royal couple at Buckingham Palace in May 2011. Hide Caption 27 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The newlyweds walk hand in hand from Buckingham Palace the day after their wedding in April 2011. Hide Caption 28 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family After their wedding on April 29, 2011, the couple drove from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House in a vintage Aston Martin. Hide Caption 29 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family William and Catherine kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding ceremony in London. Hide Caption 30 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The pair returned to their alma mater in St. Andrews, Scotland, in February 2011. They launched a fundraising campaign for a new scholarship. Hide Caption 31 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The couple poses for photographers to mark their engagement in November 2010. Catherine received the engagement ring that belonged to William's late mother, Diana. Hide Caption 32 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The couple cheers on the English rugby team during the Six Nations Championship match in London in February 2007. Hide Caption 33 of 34 Photos: Will and Kate's royal family The couple takes a photo after graduating from the University of St. Andrews in June 2005. They met at school and even shared a house with others while students. Hide Caption 34 of 34 
 
 So why is the Queen so popular? 
 
 JUST WATCHED The world's longest serving monarchs Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH The world's longest serving monarchs 01:23 
 
 Well for a start she's not a politician. She also stands for something and does not do knee-jerk reactions to some poll or focus group. Again, not a politician. 
 
 She's seen as genuine, somebody who cares about her country, her Commonwealth and her people. In times of sadness and despair, people look to the Queen and her family for words of support. I remember her doing just that after the London bombings of 2005. She and her family are also there in times of joy to celebrate with us. 
 
 Remember that dramatic arrival with James Bond at the opening of the London Olympics? The Queen also provides a sense of continuity in a changing world. 
 
 Sure, there are people who would like to see an end of monarchy but they are few in number compared to those who, day in day out, welcome the Queen to their towns, cities and homes around the world. Her realms and territories extend across the globe. She's monarch in places ranging from New Zealand in the south to Scotland in the north, taking in Australia, Canada and a host of Caribbean countries. She's also Head of the Commonwealth -- a 53-nation club whose membership numbers almost a third of the world's population. On those occasions when millions turn up outside Buckingham Palace and sing God Save the Queen, they truly mean it. 
 
 READ: Full coverage of British royal family 
 
 "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family." So said the then Princess Elizabeth 69 years ago as she broadcast to the British Empire on her 21st birthday. "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family." So said the then Princess Elizabeth 69 years ago as she broadcast to the British Empire on her 21st birthday. 
 
 Now, as she celebrates her 90th birthday, we look back and know her life has indeed been a long and momentous one. 
 
 Happy Birthday Ma'am.
– If you're a commoner who wants to get Queen Elizabeth II's attention, apparently it is possible, but it will take decades of work. In a touching Facebook post pointed out by Mashable, Andrew Simes writes that his grandfather had always made it a point to send a Christmas card to his king or queen. Elizabeth had been getting the cards since 1952, and happened to meet Simes' grandpa at a reception in Turkey in 1972—whereupon she told him, "so it's you who keeps sending me those lovely Christmas cards," Simes says. The queen later sent a note on Simes' grandpa's 100th birthday. The older man died at age 102 in 2011, and Simes took over sending the Christmas cards that year—which is where the story gets really poignant. In January 2012, Simes got a letter from Buckingham Palace. "In it was written: 'When I received a letter from a different Simes this Christmas, I instructed my office to research your grandfather's whereabouts. Therefore it is with much sadness, I have learned of his passing and extend my condolences to you and your family,'" Simes writes. "I couldn't fight back the tears then, nor can I fight them back every time I remember this story of two people who left a lifelong impression on each other." He's still sending Her Majesty the annual holiday greeting; see an image here.