England's royal family have been the picture of refined eloquence for generations. Helmed by monarch Queen Elizabeth II for the past 64 years, she remains ever graceful under the weight of her heavily bejeweled crown. Of course, she usually leaves the super-fancy accessories at home in favor of a more casual hat in her everyday wear, but she still gets gussied up for important events.
In 1963, about a decade after her coronation as queen, she was dolled up to the nines for an evening of fun at the theater. The annual Royal Variety Performance provides the senior members of the family an opportunity to head out on the town and enjoy the latest in entertainment. Comedians, magicians, musicians, and other celebs show up to put on their best for the regal show. In that particular year, she invited a raucous quartet of rising stars who were climbing the U.K. pop charts with impressive speed: the Beatles.
Though the Fab Four hadn't made their way to America yet, they were already causing quite a lot of chaos over on their side of the pond. Lead by guitarist John Lennon, the group got their start in the dingy clubs of Germany and their hometown of Liverpool. Stepping on this stage was a far cry from their recent days at the Cavern, the cramped venue where manager Brian Epstein first discovered them stirring up local teens into a frenzy.
Before belting out their hit "Twist and Shout," Lennon cracks a joke at the expense of their snazzy spectators. Just wait til you see the Queen's reaction!
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