After leaving Guernsey in 1995 to attend Imperial College London, Julia Hirst (nee Addison) now lives and works in the UK, in Theydon Bois, Essex, with husband Derek, son Alexander (9), and recently-adopted beautiful ex-racing greyhound, Obie. When not being Queen Elizabeth I, she is a finance officer for an automotive company, and an accountancy student “on the side”! She was delighted to re-visit Elizabeth College in March 2022, in disguise as the College’s founder. It was wonderful to meet the students and staff, most especially her old classmate from sixth form, Principal Jenny Palmer (8989), and to see the incredible changes and many improvements to the school since she attended in 1992-1994.

Julia played QEI professionally for several years at Hatfield House (where Elizabeth grew up), as part of their Tudor Banquets and Living History events, including a special concert in 2008 organised by Lord and Lady Salisbury to celebrate the 450th Anniversary of Elizabeth’s accession to the throne. As Elizabeth, she is a Guinness World Record Holder, having taken part in the world's largest History lesson in 2011, and she has also performed at events at Stirling Castle and Hampton Court – and now, of course, she can add Elizabeth College to that list!