A ten-year-old photo of Ed Sheeran (31) and Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) is currently causing a few laughs. In the picture, which was taken on the occasion of her 60th throne anniversary, the Queen and the musician meet for the first time. Particularly striking: Her Majesty gives the redhead a particularly warm smile while shaking hands with him.

Was the Queen already a fan of the then not so well-known singer in 2012? No, Sheeran now explains in person on the "Late Show with Stephen Colbert". "It was really, really early in my career," Sheeran recalls. "I had just released a hit single."

Sheeran further reports that when the Queen was asked his name, her face didn't look like she knew who he was. Coincidence instead provided the open smile: "I was standing next to a very famous comedian who made a joke while she shook my hand. That's how I got this photo where she looks like she's pleased to see me."

The photo was taken during the Queen's Jubilee in 2012, which Sheeran was also allowed to perform at. A very special honor for him after their golden anniversary in 2002 had sparked his dream of making music.

When he was eleven at the time, he saw Eric Clapton (77) on stage and was blown away: "Eric Clapton comes and opens his song 'Layla'. And I ask myself: 'What is that?' And he finishes the song and I'm like, 'That's what I want to be. I want a guitar and I want to sing on stage'."

The Diamond Jubilee wasn't the only time Sheeran performed for the Queen. He performed his hit "Perfect" at her platinum anniversary earlier this year.