How the Queen’s 'air of authority' as a child set her up for life on the throne

The Queen had an 'air of authority' as a young a child that left former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill shocked, a new book has revealed. 

• Prime Minster Winston Churchill said that the Queen showed an 'air of authority' as a toddler, a royal expert has claimed. 
• Her Majesty had a mature nature that was 'astonishing' for her age, the late politician told his wife, Clemmie. 
• In other royal news, Queen's iconic gesture to comedian as he makes awkward joke at Platinum Jubilee event described as 'perfect response'.
  

The Queen showed an 'air of authority' beyond her years when she was a child, according to a royal expert. 

Her Majesty's mature disposition was so striking that it took former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill by surprise, Andrew Morton writes for the Mail Online. 

The late politician first met Princess Elizabeth during a visit to Balmoral Castle in 1928, when the young royal was just two years old. In a letter sent from the Scottish Highlands residence to his wife, Clemmie, Churchill apparently described the future monarch as 'a character' with 'an air of authority and reflectiveness astonishing in an infant.' 

He would again meet Elizabeth in 1952 when she unexpectedly became Queen after the sudden death of her father, King George VI. 

It's understood that despite his positive first impressions of the young Lilibet, the World War II icon was initially skeptical of the 25-year-old's suitability to lead the British monarchy. According to royal historian, Professor Kate Williams, Churchill feared that she was still too inexperienced to fill her beloved dad's lofty shoes. 

"Winston Churchill thinking about dealing with Elizabeth II, he cried, he said "she's just a child," she said. 

Fast forward 70 years to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and it appears that the retired military soldier had little to worry about. Not only has Her Majesty made history as the longest-serving British monarch, but she has also been widely regarded as the most popular member of the Royal Family for the past several decades. 

The 96-year-old has already begun enjoying celebrations to mark her incredible reign ahead of the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend from June 2 - 5. On Sunday, she attended the equestrian gala, 'A Gallop Through History', on the grounds of Windsor Castle, much to the excitement of her devout royal fans. 

The appearance came shortly after the Queen missed the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years because of 'episodic mobility issues'. Her attendance at upcoming Platinum Jubilee events, including the Platinum Party at the Palace, will be confirmed closer to the date.