29 candid photos of Queen Elizabeth II that showcase the late monarch's less serious side

Queen Elizabeth II was a famously formal lady, thanks to her important royal role – but that doesn’t mean she didn’t also have a great sense of humour.

While the late monarch spent much of her time taking part in state duties or paying a visit to charities or organisations doing important work, she was also well known to have a more fun side and was famous for her deadpan sense of humour. Though she didn't often share her less serious side, there were a fair few times across her 70-year reign when she would allow the world to see her more relaxed and cheeky side, either during public moments such as walkabouts or royal trips abroad, or in moments spent alongside her family.

To give an insight into the Queen’s less serious side, here is a selection of brilliantly candid photos of the late monarch and the stories behind said photos.