Queen Elizabeth II is typically pretty serious [1] during royal engagements. While she may flash a smile here [2] and there, for the most part, the 92-year-old British monarch keeps to herself and is strict about following royal protocol [3]. However, there is one exception: whenever the Queen is around kids, she immediately lights up and protocol [4] seems to go out the door. Given that she is a grandmother to eight grandchildren [5] and a great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren [6] (with another one on the way [7]!), it makes sense that the Queen has a soft spot for kids. Where do you think Prince William [8] and Prince Harry [9]'s love of children comes from? Check out some of the Queen's cutest moments with kids ahead!
When She Broke Royal Protocol and Delighted Her Fans With an Autograph
We wonder if she signed it "Her Majesty The Queen."
When This Little Boy Couldn't Handle Being in Her Presence
Honestly, same.
When She Spread Holiday Cheer by Helping Kids Decorate a Christmas Tree
We love a Christmas queen [11]!
When This Boy Was So Overwhelmed Meeting Her, He Instantly Dropped to the Floor and Crawled Away
In his defence, the idea of meeting a royal [12] does seem a little intimidating.
When This Boy Straight-Up Avoided Eye Contact at All Costs
We totally get it.
When This Student Totally Nailed His Bow
"You can lift your head up now, sweetie," the Queen (probably).
When She Shook This Student's Hand and Likely Made His Day
If we're being honest, we probably wouldn't have washed our hands after this.
When This Girl Delivered Her Curtsy Like She'd Been Waiting Her Whole Life For This Moment
All while presenting the Queen with flowers, no less.
And This Little Girl Did, Too!
A true pro!
When This Fan Dared to Address the Queen by Her First Name
Luckily, she didn't seem to mind.
When This Boy Proudly Showed the Queen His Boxing Helmet
Aww!
When She Put a Smile on This Little Girl's Face During a Hospital Visit
The Queen even took a second to read her letter.
When These Children Presented Her With the Cutest Sign
What a great photo choice!
When This Little Girl Just Couldn't Wait to Present Her Gift to the Queen
We hope she brought something for Prince Philip, too!
When This Little Girl Gave the Queen a Stuffed Toy
And they also colour-coordinated their outfits!
When She Couldn't Resist Holding This Baby's Hands
The Queen certainly seems to have a soft spot for kids.
When This Little Girl Greeted Her With a Gorgeous Bouquet of Flowers in Fiji
Anybody else getting flashbacks of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal tour [13]?
When This Student Had the Courage to Recite His Poem in Front of Her
That smile says it all, though!