Space fan Queen Elizabeth

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is fascinated with space travel.

The 89-year-old monarch is a huge fan of all things related to space exploration and loves meeting astronauts.

Ingrid Seward, author of 'The Queen's Speech', told PEOPLE: "She is really interested in space travel. She's really knowledgeable about the stars and astronomy" - and she loves meeting astronauts.

In 2013, the queen sent a message of support to Canadian astronaut Christopher Hadfield, when he took command of the International Space Station.

She said in a statement: "I am pleased to transmit my personal best wishes, and those of all Canadians, to Colonel Christopher Hadfield as he takes command of the International Space Station on Wednesday.

"Our thoughts and best wishes are with him and the entire crew, as are our prayers for an eventual safe return to family, friends and fellow Canadians."

And back in 2007 she paid a visit to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland where she spoke to astronauts aboard the ISS via video link.

She described the experience as "fascinating".