The latest reporting I found says a royal aide recalled Prince Philip playfully chasing Queen Elizabeth, pinching her bottom, and growling, which prompted her laughter; the story was published on April 19–20, 2026.[1][3]
The account comes from Ian Lloyd’s book The Queen: 70 Chapters in the Life of Queen Elizabeth II and describes a lighthearted moment between the couple in Elizabeth’s thirties.[3][1]
It also repeats a separate remark attributed to former private secretary Martin Charteris that Philip treated the Queen like “another human being,” which was part of why their marriage worked well.[1][3]
There’s also a newer article from January 2026 about another old royal anecdote involving Elizabeth and Philip during a trip to Australia, but that piece is about an argument and a shoe-throwing incident, not the playful “pinching” story.[2][8]
If you want, I can also summarize the most credible source behind the anecdote and how the story has been covered across outlets.
False. Though the photo is a real image from 2003, the queen was actually reacting to a swarm of bees that had interrupted a review of a British Army regiment, according to the original caption and…
apnews.com"If you dined with the Queen, you ate what the Queen ate.”
www.marieclaire.comIt was a swarm of bees, not a prank played by Prince Philip that had Queen Elizabeth laughing in a 2003 photo, contrary to claims made by social media users sharing a photo following Prince Philip's death on April 9.
www.reuters.comA photo of Queen Elizabeth laughing next to Prince Philip in uniform went viral following his death — but the late royal didn't "prank" his wife.
people.com"Philip ran after her..."
www.marieclaire.comBehind palace doors, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's marriage featured heated arguments, secret nicknames and sharp exchanges now being revealed by Robert Jobson and other royal experts.
www.foxnews.comThe photo of the royal couple, who celebrated their 73rd anniversary five months ago, captured a sweet moment between the two.
www.today.com