The Queen Reportedly Used This One Phrase to Signal a Conversation Was Over
Gulp.
![Queen Elizabeth II Meets Dame Judi Dench](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/twriq5tTaHbcUQ8pM4fPDR-1280-80.jpg)
When someone has to speak to as many people as the late Queen Elizabeth did, it makes sense that they would develop shorthand to move swiftly from one conversation to the next.
So, it sounds like the Queen had a very well known phrase she used to signal the end of a pleasant chat.
Author Sophia Money-Coutts took to Twitter to share a reader letter from the Times, which included a funny anecdote about the late monarch.
The letter's writer said that a previous article about Gyles Brandreth's upcoming biography, Elizabeth, "reminded me of an anecdote from my time teaching in 1980s London," they wrote.
"A leading teachers' union official was due to meet the Queen. As he queued for the honour an equerry informed him that as soon as Her Majesty said 'how interesting' the encounter was over and she would progress to the next person in line.
"When the Queen eventually reached him, she asked: 'What do you do?'
"He duly informed her that he was a leading union official. 'How very, very interesting,' she replied, and moved on."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Although I don't feel quite qualified enough to translate what the Queen meant by this repeated phrase, I've found a kind British-Australian journalist who has previously translated it, as a gesture of public service.
Writing in the New Zealand publication Stuff, Gary Nunn claimed, "When the phrase 'very interesting' is muttered, an American might hear 'they are impressed.' But the Aussies and Brits would de-code it for what it really means: 'that's clearly nonsense.'"
Honestly, that's so brutal.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
How Kamala Harris Dressed for President Trump's Second Inauguration
She left a style legacy as the first woman Vice President.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Cecile Richards, Former Planned Parenthood President and Women's Rights Activist, Has Died at Age 67
"Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Took a Vacation Skiing in the Alps with Prince William and Their Kids Amid Her Cancer Recovery
"They looked like a normal English family, and a lot of people didn't recognize them."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Norwegian Royal Family Releases Serious Update Regarding Queen Sonja's Health After Skiing Incident
The Queen Consort was previously hospitalized for her condition and is set to undergo surgery.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Elizabeth Reacted "Very Calmly" to News Her Royal Courtier Was Actually a Russian Spy
Newly declassified files reveal the late Queen's very unexpected reaction to the art historian's shocking secret.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' Nicknames
A royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself
"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules Attached
The present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business Venture
Get ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"
The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On"
"There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
By Amy Mackelden Published