Surprising facts about Queen Elizabeth II that you didn't know

Yesterday, I was quite taken aback. Of course, 96 is a wonderful age, but in my mind, Queen Elizabeth II was somewhat immortal. And then it suddenly happens very quickly: yesterday afternoon, it came to light that doctors were worried about the queen and that family members were hurrying to Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands. That same evening, we received the news that she had peacefully passed away there after 70 (!) years of reigning over England. Son Charles is now taking over and, at 73, is finally becoming king.

I have always found Queen Elizabeth II to be an incredibly fascinating woman. A lot has been written about the British royal family, but I am still so curious about what really goes on behind closed doors. After her passing, I went looking: what did I actually know about Queen Elizabeth II? Very little, I discovered, because I really didn't know these fun facts before yesterday.

1. She is the only person ever allowed to drive in the United Kingdom without a driver's license
Yep, Queen Elizabeth II never had a driver's license, but was allowed to sit behind the wheel. Additionally, her car does not need to have a license plate.

2. She celebrated her birthday twice a year
Her actual birthday is on April 21, but her official birthday was celebrated every year on a Saturday in June. Why? Well, that English weather. In April, it often isn't nice weather, but in June it is.

3. Of all the monarchs in the world, Queen Elizabeth II traveled the most
She visited more than 120 countries and six continents. Of course, she spent the most time in England, but she also spent the most time in Canada.

4. Her favorite dogs were corgis, but she had more pets
Namely an elephant, two tortoises, a jaguar, and a couple of sloths. All gifts from other countries, and they now live in the London Zoo.

5. She bought her wedding dress with ration coupons from World War II

6. She even did volunteer work during World War II
This made her the first female member of the British royal family to join the military; she became a truck driver and mechanic. Yep, indeed without a driver's license.

7. Just a bit more about those corgis: she loved them very much
In her entire life, she had more than 30 corgis; a true dog lover.