A witty exchange between Queen Elizabeth II and renowned nature filmmaker David Attenborough has resurfaced online, delighting social media users and going viral—again. The humorous moment, captured in June 2017 at Buckingham Palace, shows the late Queen making a dry joke as a helicopter interrupted their conversation.
“Why do they always go round and round when you want to talk?” she asked Attenborough with a smile, before cheekily adding,
“Sounds like President Trump… or President Obama.”
The clip, originally featured in ITV’s 2018 documentary The Queen’s Green Planet, has recently regained popularity after resurfacing on TikTok, where users have praised the Queen’s sharp humor and down-to-earth presence.
The video was recorded as Queen Elizabeth II and Attenborough walked through the palace gardens discussing nature and climate change. At the time, Donald Trump was U.S. President but had not yet visited the UK. His first meeting with the Queen would take place in July 2018, three months after the documentary aired.
The documentary is peppered with similarly charming moments of royal wit. At one point, Attenborough pointed out that a sundial had been placed in the shade. The Queen quipped:
“Had we thought of that? That it was planted in the shade? It wasn’t in the shade originally, I’m sure. Maybe we could move it.”
According to ITV News, the palace’s lead gardener later confirmed that the sundial was indeed relocated following her suggestion.
In a more reflective moment, when Attenborough mentioned what trees might grow in the garden in 50 years, the Queen replied:
“It might easily be, yes. I won’t be here though.”
Now, years later, the resurfaced clip has offered viewers another glimpse into the Queen’s trademark dry wit, once again winning hearts across the internet.