Queen Elizabeth II is known for her love of horse racing, gardening, and stamp collecting, but a lesser-known hobby has recently come to light: collecting pepper mills. The monarch reportedly finds her collection amusing, with one particular grinder shaped like an Italian waiter that shrieks 'You're breaking my neck!' when used.
The exact origin of the collection remains unknown, but it is said to include a favourite pepper mill given by a friend, sourced from an Italian restaurant. The Queen finds the novelty item hilarious, according to reports.
In addition to pepper mills, the Queen continues the royal tradition of stamp collecting, a hobby passed down through five generations. The royal stamp collection is valued at over £10 million, with the rarest being a Mauritian stamp worth £2 million. She also spent £250,000 on a set of 10 Penny Blacks from the first day of circulation in 1840.
Royal expert Phil Dampier noted that the Queen enjoys showing her stamp collection to visiting heads of state, feeling proud to have built on a family treasure. Another unique royal hobby is pigeon racing, which has been part of the family since 1886, with King George and King Edward both enthusiastic participants.
