Queen laughs as she reflects on her little-known time as a teen lifeguard: 'I was very proud'

The Queen has opened up on her little-known time working as a lifeguard during her teen years.

Sharing an image from her past during a recent video call, Her Majesty discussed being the recipient of the Junior Respiration Award.

The black and white image shows Queen Elizabeth II, then 14, in a pool as she donned a dark swimsuit and light swimming cap. In the snap, the royal can be seen holding onto another young girl as she pulled her from behind - a technique practiced to save someone from drowning.

Appearing via video link from Windsor Castle, Her Majesty said last week: "It was all done in the Bath Club, in the swimming pool and I suppose I didn't really actually realize what I was doing because I was only 12 or something…"

A brief pause followed before she laughed: "12 or 14… It’s a very long time ago I’m afraid."

She added: "I think it's changed a lot."

The Queen was promptly told by someone nearby that she was in fact the first person to receive the award 80 years ago.

Laughing at the news, she responded: "I didn't realize I was the first one, I just did it and had to work very hard for it. But it was a great achievement and I was very proud to wear the badge on the front of my swimming suit."

The Queen reflected on yet another point in her childhood after another throwback image was shown on the screen in front of her.

The image saw the royal standing in her swimming costume as she proudly displayed the badge in question.

The Queen promptly returned to royal duties 10 days after the funeral of her beloved husband Prince Phillip last month.

Along with her majesty, the nation endured heartbreak when Buckingham Palace announced that the Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully on April 9, at the age of 99.

But the royal proved her inspiring strength by putting on a brave face in front of a virtual audience during a video call from Windsor Castle on April 17.

The brooch can be seen clearly on Her Majesty's shoulder. Credit: PA Images/Alamy

In fact, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice The Queen's touching tribute to her husband, as she wore a diamond brooch that was reportedly a sweet nod to her wedding day.

The Sun originally reported that the brooch Her Majesty wore is believed to be the Nizam of Hyderabad floral royal brooch which was part of a tiara gifted to her on her wedding day in 1947.

The beautiful piece of jewelry from Cartier was gifted to The Queen by Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan.

Featured image credit: amanda rose / Alamy