Samantha Cohen, who dedicated 18 years to working alongside the late Queen Elizabeth II, has shared intriguing insights into her time with one of the world’s most iconic figures.
In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, Cohen painted a vivid picture of the monarch, highlighting her adventurous spirit and down-to-earth nature.
Cohen’s journey with the royal family began over two decades ago when she joined the press office.
Her hard work and dedication led her up the ranks, eventually becoming the Queen’s communications secretary and then her assistant private secretary.
It was a path that not only offered professional growth but also a front-row seat to royal life.
Looking back, Cohen recalled the very first moment she laid eyes on the future Queen during her Silver Jubilee visit to Australia in 1977.
As a schoolgirl in Brisbane, she was “beyond excited” to see the head of state, unaware that years later, she would become one of the Queen’s most trusted aides.
Throughout their years together, Cohen often found herself in the Queen’s presence almost daily.
She accompanied Her Majesty on three tours to Australia, experiencing the unique blend of regal duty and personal connection that defined their relationship.
The bond they developed was characterized by mutual respect.
Cohen noted that the Queen did not have favorites among her staff, emphasizing her incredible nature as an employer.
For Cohen, it was all about easing the Queen’s burdens, making her day-to-day life as smooth as possible.
Family life intertwined with her royal duties.
Cohen, along with her husband Richard Halle and their three children, frequently relocated to be closer to the Queen.
Summers were spent in Balmoral, while Christmases unfolded at Sandringham, where the family enjoyed a cozy cottage and thoughtful gifts from the Queen herself.
Cohen described the Queen as somewhat shy, yet deeply committed to her family and the responsibilities of her role.
Balmoral, she noted, provided a sanctuary for the Queen, allowing her to host guests and enjoy the company of loved ones without the pressures of her public life.
One of the more surprising revelations was the Queen’s love for speed.
Cohen fondly recounted how the monarch would drive her cars around Balmoral with gusto, leaving her passengers gripping the seats in anticipation.
This daring side of the Queen starkly contrasted with the image of the composed monarch the public often saw.
Despite being one of the most recognized personalities globally, Cohen emphasized that the Queen possessed a remarkable lack of ego.
Rather than basking in the celebrity status that came with her title, the Queen took her duties seriously, remaining grounded and dedicated to her role.
While official engagements often came with strict protocols, Cohen noted that the Queen found joy in less formal settings, such as their Australian tours.
These trips allowed for a more relaxed atmosphere, enabling the Queen to connect with people in a genuine manner.
Reflecting on the Queen’s commitment to Australia, Cohen recalled a pivotal speech given during a visit after the nation narrowly voted to retain the monarchy.
The Queen affirmed that the future of the monarchy was ultimately up to the Australian people, showcasing her respect for democratic choice.
After the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, Cohen was invited to support the couple, passing along her wealth of experience.
However, she departed the royal family in October 2019, concluding nearly two decades of service.
Even after stepping away from royal duties, Cohen remained a trusted figure, participating in the significant “Sandringham summit” in early 2020, where crucial decisions regarding Harry’s transition out of royal life were made.
Recognized for her service, Cohen was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2016.
After her royal tenure, she transitioned to work with Boris Johnson and later took on a leadership role at Rio Tinto, although she recently chose to leave that position to prioritize family time.
Amidst her career highlights, Cohen fondly reminisced about her experiences with the Queen, including a memorable day trip to Italy for lunch with the then-president.
At 88, the Queen had limited international travel, but she relished the spontaneity of that excursion, signing off on a delightful adventure with a smile.
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