The Queen (open in new tab) is one of the most recognizable people on the planet, but even she sometimes flies under the radar.

Every year, the Queen (open in new tab) spends part of her summer vacation in her Scottish estate, Balmoral. While there, the queen swaps her usual brightly colored ensembles and eye-catching brooches (opens in new tab) for a subdued, understated look and enjoys simple activities like spending time with her family and walking her dog.

According to Richard Griffin, a former conservation officer who worked with the royal family for more than 30 years, the queen was strolling the grounds when she came across a group of American tourists who clearly did not believe they were talking to the Queen (opens in new tab).

Griffin shared this story with The Times (from The Sun (opens in new tab)), explaining that the tourists asked if the Queen lived in the area, and she replied that she had a house nearby (strictly true, as Balmoral Castle (opens in new tab) is a "house"). However, when the tourist asked if he had ever met the queen, the queen's answer was a perfect example of playfully witty vandalism.

"No, but this cop has," she replied, pointing to Griffin.

Tragically, Griffin did not discuss how he reacted to that brilliant response on the spot or whether the tourists asked him about his encounter with the royalty. He revealed that when the group parted from the queen, they did not know who they had actually met.