Editor’s note:
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, who sat on the throne for 70 years, has died at 96 years old. In a statement on Sept. 8, 2022, the Royal Family website writes, “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The
Reader’s Digest
The team extends their sympathies to the royal family and everyone in Britain during this moment, as they pay tribute to her life and legacy.
The queen of hearts
Princess Elizabeth never expected to become queen. Even when she became first in line to the throne, she didn’t think she’d have to assume the role of monarch for a long time. But after her father died early,
young Queen Elizabeth
ascended to the throne at merely 25 years of age, pledging her whole life, “whether it be long or short,” to serving her nation. Indeed, she lived longer than expected and reigned for 70 years until her death.
death
On September 8, 2022. When she passed away, she might have been more cherished than ever before—such was her status that numerous individuals prefer not to contemplate it.
What occurs next following the death of the Queen?
or her
funeral
. Find out-
Where is Queen Elizabeth interred?
.
Even if you have encountered it before
The Crown
In the Netflix series about her life, you likely aren’t aware of the true story behind this notoriously secretive royalty. Included is lesser-known history surrounding her.
royal family tree
, the genuine romance of
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
, along with all the delightful specifics about
Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren
Let’s delve deeper into the life and rule of Queen Elizabeth II.
She was born in the city of London.
Elizabeth came into this world on April 21, 1926, within the walls of 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London, very close to Berkeley Square. At birth, she held the position of being third in line for the crown, following behind her Uncle Edward, who was known as the Prince of Wales, and her Father, Albert—the Duke of York. Named after her mother, the Duchess of York—also Elizabeth—little Princess Elizabeth spent part of her childhood residing at two different places: first, at 145 Piccadilly in central London; secondly, they would retreat to White Lodge located inside Richmond Park, which sits not far from downtown London. As an infant,
future queen
When she turned four, her sister Margaret arrived; and at age six, the family relocated to Royal Lodge within Windsor Great Park for their countryside residence. The household maintained strong bonds, and despite her advantages, her upbringing remained fairly uneventful.
Her dad became king following a scandal.
Everything changed when
Queen Elizabeth’s father
In 1936, after Queen Elizabeth’s uncle ascended to the throne as King Edward VIII, his rule lasted for less than a year before he decided to abdicate without being crowned. As explained by historian, author, and ex-BBC news producer Tony McMahon, “Edward chose to step down due to his contentious plan to wed Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée.” The situation intensified because Simpson remained legally tied to her previous spouse at the start of their affair, amplifying public uproar. Consequently, this led to a significant shift in the line of succession, elevating Edward’s brother—Queen Elizabeth’s father—who then assumed the title of King George VI. This event marked one of the most substantial political upheavals within British royalty during contemporary times.
Elizabeth suddenly found herself as the heir to the throne.
For Elizabeth herself, the abdication and the events that followed were significant.
royal family scandal
altered the trajectory of her existence permanently. ‘George’s child Elizabeth immediately ascended to become the subsequent heir apparent,’ states McMahon. ‘Every action she took henceforth would come under intense political examination and public observation.’ However, her early education enabled her to embrace this shift gracefully. ‘The concept of ‘duty’ isn’t commonly discussed these days, yet Elizabeth was instilled with this principle since infancy—her mother referred to it as
le devoir
“, the responsibility you have toward yourself and the world surrounding you,” states Bryan Kozlowski, the author of
Long Live the Queen: 23 Guidelines for Life from Britain’s Longest-Ruling Monarch
.
And because she was a girl, Elizabeth had to engage in activities that were not necessarily enjoyable or pleasant, such as touring hospitals or enduring long, dull ceremonies. These experiences best equipped her for her eventual role as queen.
She never attended school.
Princess Elizabeth never went to a public or private school, nor does she hold a college degree—actually, one of her distinctive traits is that she lacks formal higher education.
things you might not have known about the UK’s monarchy
Is that Elizabeth’s grandson, Prince William, became the first member of the royal family?
not
To begin their education within the royal residence, many individuals attended classes at the palace. However, Elizabeth received instruction from private tutors at home instead. “Princess Elizabeth followed the customary path of receiving her education through homeschooling,” explains McMahon. “Henry Marten, who served as the Vice-Provost of Eton College, educated Elizabeth in constitutional history so she could be well-prepared for assuming the throne.” Under his guidance, he elucidated both the extent and boundaries of authority inherent to contemporary queenship for his youthful pupil. Additionally, Elizabeth counted the Archbishop of Canterbury among her religious instructors; this experience contributed to her acquiring fluency in French—a talent imparted by her French and Belgian governesses. Her linguistic proficiency proved invaluable during her reign when engaging diplomatically with international counterparts. Beyond these academic pursuits, Elizabeth developed skills in visual arts and musical performance and excelled in swimming.
She was a Girl Scout and participated as a Sea Rover.
Princess Elizabeth, who had a penchant for outdoor pursuits, began honing her survival skills through her involvement with the Girl Guides, which is similar to the American Girl Scouts. Her mother supported this initiative from the start and signed up both Princess Elizabeth and her younger sibling, Princess Margaret, at the age of 11. According to McMahon, “To interact with peers around her own age, Elizabeth became part of the Girl Guides via a specific unit known as the 1st Buckingham Palace Company.” A photograph taken in 1943 shows Princess Elizabeth demonstrating her proficiency in first aid techniques by wrapping bandages around her sister’s arm. Additionally, she participated in another branch named the Sea Rangers, where young women learn about boating and various aquatic activities.
She participated in World War II and slipped away from the palace on Victory in Europe Day.
For those wondering
What exactly does the British royal family do?
Initially, their responsibilities frequently involved serving in the military. Regarding Elizabeth, her experience with the Girl Guides and Sea Rangers helped prepare her for this kind of duty. “Notably, she enlisted in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II, contributing to boosting spirits amid the Blitz,” McMahon explains. At age 18 in 1944, she enrolled and was trained as both a mechanic and a truck driver. This service distinguishes her as the sole currently living reigning monarch who participated in World War II, and also marks her as the lone woman among the royals to join the armed forces directly.
Remarkably, Princess Elizabeth’s ATS attire enabled her to blend into the crowd on the streets of London alongside her sister, Margaret, during Victory in Europe (VE) Day celebrations on May 8, 1945. In 1985, she recounted these recollections for the BBC: “I recall feeling very anxious about not getting spotted, which is why I wore my uniform cap low over my face,” Elizabeth stated. “We waved at the king and queen from the palace balcony before strolling many blocks through the city. The image of strangers forming human chains as they marched down Whitehall remains vivid; everyone seemed carried away by waves of joy and relief… It surely ranks among the most unforgettable evenings of my existence.”
When she was just a young teen, she developed feelings for her far-off cousin.
Elizabeth initially laid her eyes on
Prince Philip
Her third cousin came into her life again when she was merely 8; according to her royal biography, they crossed paths in 1934 during the nuptials of shared kinfolk. However, their genuine encounter happened some time after this event. “Elizabeth’s initial connection with Prince Philip had undertones of a classic fairytale,” remarks Nicoletta Gullace, an associate professor specializing in modern British history at the University of New Hampshire. She adds, “‘It blossomed into what seemed like true affection’ when Elizabeth, aged thirteen, visited the Royal Naval College along with her clan in 1939. There, amidst his charm as a dashing young officer, she found herself captivated.” According to various reports, ‘he dazzled everyone present,’ including entertaining both Elizabeth and Margaret through playful rounds of croquet before impressively leaping over a tennis net. It seems Elizabeth couldn’t help but be mesmerized by him from that moment onward. Subsequently, her caretaker mentioned seeing signs of his flamboyant display aimed directly at winning admiration.
Following this, they maintained contact through letters and met sporadically from time to time, according to Gullace. “As widely known, Elizabeth retained a picture featuring a bearded Philip during his service as a navy officer in the Mediterranean and the Pacific regions throughout World War II,” she explains. “Their interactions became more frequent post-war.”
Her family wasn’t completely thrilled about Philip.
Philip wasn’t considered the perfect match for the future queen by her family. According to Gullace, “The royal family didn’t fully endorse Philip due to the financial struggles of his own royal lineage—he and his kin had been expelled from Greece—as well as their disapproval of his brothers-in-law who sided with the Nazi party. Additionally, they felt he appeared ‘too German’—a sentiment echoed by the Queen Mother when she called him ‘the Hun.'” Nevertheless, having served in the Royal Navy throughout World War II, concerns about Philip being part of a less prestigious aristocratic background were set aside, allowing the couple to get engaged officially in July 1947.
The straightforward explanation behind their union was that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip developed feelings for each other. As stated by Gulllace, once their betrothal received approval, he was granted permission to acquire British citizenship and adopted the last name Mountbatten.
She used coupons to pay for her wedding dress.
In 1947, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip got married when the UK was still recuperating from World War II and under rationing restrictions—this included the future monarch herself. As Gullace explains, “Elizabeth wore an outfit that required wartime coupon redemption.” The widespread admiration for her was evident because young women across Britain donated their personal rations so she could have an exquisite dress; although exchanging these coupons wasn’t allowed, this act demonstrated how cherished Elizabeth was among citizens during times of limited resources and sparse indulgences.
Her crown nearly caused trouble just prior to the wedding since it snapped, yet fortunately, it was promptly repaired in time for the event.
Her marriage ceremony in 1947 marked a significant event in British history.
Following six years of warfare, England craved a joyful occasion, something the regal nuptials offered. “To an extent, Princess Elizabeth’s wedding mirrored those of numerous young ladies who tied the knot post-war with their service members whom they had cherished, worried about, and stood behind throughout the struggle,” notes Gullace. She mentions that the pair exchanged vows in November 1947 at Westminster Abbey, attended by around 2,500 spectators, with the proceedings being aired via radio. “A banquet followed at Buckingham Palace where they relished a towering nine-foot wedding confection; later, they greeted the crowd from the palace balcony—a custom since adopted by newlyweds,” adds Gullace. According to her account, “the princess exuded sheer bliss, whereas reports describe Prince Philip as strikingly attractive—akin to Hollywood heartthrobs.” Images captured during this celebration turned into iconic snapshots.
Most famous images from royal weddings
throughout history.
She had four children
After getting married, Elizabeth quickly had two children one after another. “Similar to numerous couples during that era, they promptly began a family; Prince Charles was born just a year following their wedding in 1948.”
Princess Anne
Two years afterward, according to Gullace, they embraced life as a couple in a manner relatable to everyday folks. During this time, Prince Philip remained an active member of the Royal Navy, and Elizabeth assumed her duties as his spouse, accompanying him to Malta where he served in the Mediterranean fleet.
Elizabeth’s two younger offspring, Princes Andrew and Edward, arrived in 1960 and 1964 respectively—well after she had adjusted to assuming a responsibility she hadn’t anticipated would come so quickly despite having prepared for much of her youth. These two royal youngsters marked the first births under a ruling monarch since Queen Victoria bore children during the previous century.
Elizabeth ascended to the throne when she was only 25 years old.
On February 6, 1952, Elizabeth was visiting Kenya for a royal tour alongside Philip when news reached them that her father had passed away at just 56 years old due to lung cancer and long-standing health issues. “During this romantic journey through a wildlife sanctuary with Prince Philip, the princess received word about her father’s passing and her new role as monarch,” explains Gullace. British hunting authority Jim Corbett, who was lodging nearby in one of the park’s elevated huts, noted in their guest book: ‘This marks an unprecedented event; a young lady ascended into these treetops as a Princess but left the following day as a Queen after experiencing something truly exhilarating.’ At the time still oblivious to everything unfolding back home, Elizabeth only became aware of becoming queen quite late—in shock over the revelation, she promptly made arrangements to return to England.”
Elizabeth adapted to the change more effectively than Philip.
The blissful beginning for the young couple suddenly halted following the demise of Elizabeth’s father. This event marked Elizabeth’s ascension to queenship and disrupted Philip’s naval pursuits, compelling him to pledge his loyalty to Elizabeth and assume the position of royal consort, according to Gullace. Although this placed significant strain on their relationship, both Elizabeth and Philip adhered steadfastly to their duties. While Philip was reluctant about the transformation, they proceeded together, albeit with some reservations.
Although the princess was not anticipating ascending to the throne so rapidly, she adjusted to this new reality with characteristic composure. As Gullace explains, “Elizabeth dealt with becoming Queen at such a tender age by accepting her fate and leaning on her inherent sense of responsibility towards her people.” She accepted the mantle with remarkable poise and elegance, even though it meant disrupting what had been the most joyful period of her life when she and her small family resided modestly as part of a regular military household in Malta.
The crowning of Queen Elizabeth was both contemporary and classic.
Initially, Elizabeth’s wedding took center stage before her coronation emerged as another highlight during the post-war era in Britain. Upon ascending the throne immediately following her father’s death, she adhered to custom by delaying the formal coronation ceremony until an appropriate time for mourning had passed. Consequently, her official crowning occurred on June 2, 1953. According to Gullace, “Coronations have taken place at Westminster Abbey for nearly nine centuries, and this one continued that enduring practice.” However, even though traditional rituals were maintained, her reign marked a contemporary phase for the monarchy, with television broadcasting reaching twenty-seven million people across the UK and countless others within the Commonwealth nations. During her grand occasion, Queen Elizabeth utilized both the renowned St. Edward’s Crown and the Imperial State Crown.
The British Crown Jewels that have immense value
.
She was a laid-back parent.
Despite not being affectionate, Queen Elizabeth was not an indifferent mother, contrary to how she has occasionally been depicted. Her new position as monarch frequently required leaving her children behind. “Due to Queen Elizabeth’s demanding schedule, which constrained the time she could spend with them—especially her first two children, Charles and Anne—she found herself away from home quite often,” explains Carolyn Harris, a historian and author known for her work on royal families.
Raising Royals: A Millennium of Royal Upbringing
.
For those who are curious about her responsibilities,
What are the responsibilities of the Queen of England?
, encompassed comprehensive visits to numerous nations within the expansive Commonwealth. Additionally, there was the issue of the children’s schooling. “As the children got older, Queen Elizabeth II and particularly Prince Philip believed it crucial for them to attend school alongside their peers instead of receiving private instruction at home,” explains Harris. Consequently, the young royals spent most of each year attending boarding schools remotely from their residence.” However, this arrangement had some drawbacks for Prince Charles, who didn’t enjoy his time at boarding school.
The Windsors maintained a close-knit family relationship.
Elizabeth’s upbringing was steeped in familial bonds, just as much as her own children experienced, despite the occasional separations. As Harris points out, “Images and footage from family gatherings show that whenever the royal clan came together, they relished vacations at both Balmoral and Sandringham. During these times, the Queen and Prince Philip made sure to spend meaningful moments with their offspring.” This sentiment was echoed by Princess Anne during a 2002 BBC interview where she stated, “Although we might not have been overly needy regarding our needs within the constraints of time and her duties as queen, traveling frequently—none of us ever doubted for an instant that she loved us precisely like every other mother would.”
She was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
The queen showcased her gentle demeanor through how affectionately she cared for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Queen Elizabeth took pleasure in having her large family around her, which included both her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—who have all had kind things to say about their grandmother,” explains Harris. Among these descendants are Prince Charles’s sons, Princes William and Harry; Princess Anne’s offspring, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall; Prince Andrew’s girls, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie; as well as Prince Edward’s children, Louise and James. According to Harris, “Her Majesty instilled her passion for equestrian activities and enjoying outdoor life into her grandchildren.” Additionally, “She significantly contributed to preparing Prince William for his eventual responsibilities as monarch by frequently hosting teas with him at Windsor Castle during his days studying at nearby Eton College.”
Regarding the queen’s great-grandchildren, Prince William is a parent to three kids (Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte). Meanwhile, Prince Harry has custody of Archie and Lilibet. Additionally, Peter Phillips has Savannah and Isla, Zara Tindall has Mia, Lena, and Lucas, Princess Eugenie has August, and Princess Beatrice has Sienna. Did you get all that? Should clarification be needed, consult the reference material.
entire royal family tree
, detailed in a single straightforward chart.
Her yearly Christmas message was a traditional event.
For many British families, tuning into Queen Elizabeth’s yearly Christmas TV address became an established custom on Christmas Day. These broadcasts allowed the queen to keep a connection with her subjects. “The Christmas message stands out as one of the rare occasions where the Queen speaks directly to the citizens of the UK and the Commonwealth, sharing her thoughts about the past year,” explains Harris. Moreover, this practice upheld a significant English heritage through these regular speeches. As Harris points out, “Her Majesty’s grandfather, King George V, initiated the tradition of delivering a Christmas message via radio back in 1932, instilling values like dedication to duty and public service which greatly impacted Princess Elizabeth.” The queen then brought new life to this legacy by presenting the inaugural televised version of this holiday talk in 1957.
She wasn’t the wealthiest individual in Britain.
Despite her significant impact, Queen Elizabeth was not the richest individual in the United Kingdom—
What was the actual net worth of the queen?
could be fewer than anticipated. Despite undoubtedly inhabiting a privileged sphere, she did not make an appearance in the UK’s
Sunday Times
In 2021, the ranking of the top 250 wealthiest individuals in the nation was published. As per the report,
Times
, her personal assets were valued at approximately $480 million at that time;
Forbes
Estimated at around $500 million, which is significantly lower than the combined wealth of the 2,674 billionaires featured on that magazine’s 2021 rich list. A considerable portion of the Queen’s fortune originated from private earnings derived from her properties. While taxpayers fund the official responsibilities of the monarchy,
Forbes
suggests that this figure is significantly lower compared to the economic and tourist benefits the royal family brings to the nation.
She marked her birthday two times every year.
Queen Elizabeth had her real birthday celebration privately on April 21 and later held a public one in June. This dual approach stems from “the modern tradition [which] has quite prestigious roots,” explains Hughes. It merges an old British military practice known as ‘Trooping the Colour,’ initiated under Charles II around the 1660s, along with the formal acknowledgment of the king’s birthday, which started in 1748 for King George II. The term “‘colors'” refers to banners or flags employed as clear markers during battles; according to Hughes, these military processions honoring the ruler’s birthdate formally commenced in 1760.
As for the June date, “the modern custom of an additional summer birthday for the monarch can be traced back to the Queen’s great-grandfather, King Edward VII, who was born in November,” says Gavin Hughes, director of the Irish Conflict Archaeology Network at the Centre for Medieval & Renaissance Studies at Trinity College Dublin. “As the weather in Britain is generally temperamental around this time, the ‘Trooping of the Colour’ was moved back to the summer to mark the official birthday and accommodate the large crowds who turned up to view it.”
She went by several aliases.
Queen Elizabeth’s complete name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. However, when she was still Princess Elizabeth, her close relatives affectionately referred to her as Lilibet—this nickname stemmed from her difficulty in pronouncing her own name during childhood, which often made it sound like “Lilibet.” This is also why her grandson Prince Harry and his spouse, Meghan, named their daughter after this endearing moniker. Her Majesty’s husband, Prince Philip, frequently used this same term of endearment with her.
Cabbage
Then there are her great-grandchildren. When Prince George was around two and a half years old, he referred to her as “Gan-Gan,” according to his mother, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, who mentioned this in a documentary.
The Queen at Ninety
.
She got dressed with intent.
“From the time she first opened her eyes, almost all the choices she made were acts of service,” explains Kozlowski. This included picking that day’s attire and umbrella shade, ensuring she would remain noticeable among throngs of people. The monarch has showcased a wide spectrum of colors ranging from vibrant yellows, oranges, purples, and blues to neon outfits. “In order for people to exclaim ‘I spotted the queen,’ she must make herself easily recognizable,” commented her daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, in the documentary.
The Queen at 90
Don’t overlook the fact that whenever she appears, the crowd gathers densely, with people stacked shoulder to shoulder—two, three, four, even ten or fifteen rows deep—and everyone desires the chance to claim they spotted a glimpse of the queen’s hat as she passed by.
She loved dogs.
We’ve all witnessed the familiar scenes: Elizabeth alongside her famous corgis. However, do you realize the true depth of affection for these dogs?
Queen Elizabeth’s corgis
She was gifted her first dog, Susan, on her 18th birthday. Over the years, she had at least 30 Pembroke Welsh corgis, all descended from Susan. The last one, called Willow, passed away in 2018. Additionally, she has also raised other types of dogs, including “dorgis,” a crossbreed of corgis and dachshunds, which were particularly notable. According to Harris, “The Queen enjoyed nothing more than walking her dogs for hours across the expansive lands of the royal estate.”
She made a joke about how old she was.
If you’re not convinced that the formally dressed monarch possessed a sense of humor, then perhaps you’ve missed when Queen Elizabeth delivered an apt rejoinder. For instance, during the introduction at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 2015, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau respectfully commented, “I am profoundly aware of your many years of dedicated service.” Taking the stage afterward, the Queen calmly responded, “Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister of Canada, for reminding me how elderly I have become.” This spontaneous comment prompted considerable laughter from those present, as reported.
The Official Website of the Royal Family
According to Kozlowski, Elizabeth adopted the ‘U-bend of life’ theory favored by longevity experts, which posits that individuals become increasingly content and at ease as they grow older,” he explains. “In this aspect, she mirrored her centenarian mother, who reached the age of 101 and often told those younger than herself that ‘life becomes far more enjoyable after turning 80.’
She performed in a James Bond sequence.
The cheerful queen appeared alongside Daniel Craig in a James Bond sketch to kick off the 2012 London Olympics, as mentioned in royal dresser AngelaKelly’s book.
On the Flipside of the Coin: The Monarch, Her Attendant, and the Closet
The director wondered if he could utilize her appearance, to which Elizabeth replied that she wished to be part of the production herself and even demanded a speaking role. “I enquired if she preferred saying ‘Good evening, James’ or ‘Good evening, Mr. Bond’,” Kelly noted. She opted for the latter, aware of the Bond film tradition. During the performance, following the departure of both the queen and James Bond from Buckingham Palace via helicopter, an actual helicopter flew above the Olympic Stadium with the queen seemingly parachuting out; however, this particular scene was performed by a professional stunt performer instead.
She only gave one sit-down interview in her entire reign
In spite of the many unanswered questions regarding her private life and familial background, along with more significant tragedies such as
colonialism
Queen Elizabeth II frequently found herself embroiled in various controversies. Nevertheless, she seldom granted press interviews. “This ranks among her most remarkable feats,” remarks Kozlowski. “Through each familial and political upheaval she endured, the urge to share ‘her perspective’ with journalists must have been intense. Yet, coming from an era where they firmly believe in the adage, ‘Least said, soonest mended,’ the queen adhered to a protective principle believing that time heals wounds far better and quicker than any dramatic interview or spontaneous social media post.” Nonetheless, she deviated from this custom when giving the
BBC
Her initial seated television interview in 2018, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of her crowning.
The Queen initially shared a post on Instagram in 2019.
To avoid being seen as outdated, Queen Elizabeth maintained an engaged presence on social media platforms. She also made headlines when she uploaded her inaugural post on Instagram using the official account.
@theroyalfamily
In 2019, during her visit to the Science Museum in London, she combined the old with the new by sharing a photograph of an 1843 letter written by Charles Babbage—the world’s pioneering computer visionary—to Queen Victoria’s great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert, known as the consort to Queen Victoria and someone deeply engaged with advancements in science. She penned, “I recently enjoyed discovering more about kids’ programs aimed at teaching computer programming skills, so it feels appropriate to share this Instagram post here at the Science Museum—a place that has always promoted technological developments and fueled inspiration among future innovators.” The message concluded with her signature, “Elizabeth R.” Additionally, back in 2014, Her Majesty made history when she sent her inaugural tweet from within the same museum.
However, the queen’s plea relied on convention.
While imagining Queen Elizabeth on Twitter might seem amusing, her enduring affection and loyalty stem from her embodiment of English heritage. This connection to history may very well be the reason for such admiration.
Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana
The individual who enjoyed immense popularity yet represented contemporary values had a significant clash. “Queen Elizabeth’s most valuable attribute wasn’t necessarily her embrace of modern trends; rather, it was her strong link to historical traditions,” explains Gullace. “Her adherence to monarchical customs, her profound sense of responsibility towards both her subjects and those within the Commonwealth, along with her service during World War II as a volunteer, tie her closely to pivotal episodes in Britain’s history.” While Prince Philip made notable efforts to update the royal household—by inviting television crews into their lives and showcasing domestic scenes publicly—I believe that Queen Elizabeth, particularly later in her reign, provided comfort through her deep-rooted ties to established norms, heritage, and previous grandeur.
She was the Britsh sovereign with the longest marriage duration.
Alongside the queen during this journey was her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away in April 2021 at the age of 99. Queen Elizabeth was the first British sovereign to mark her 60-year “diamond wedding” anniversary in 2007; their union lasted an impressive 73 years altogether. At their golden (fiftieth) wedding celebration, the queen referred to Prince Philip as her ‘rock’ according to Harris. She often had him accompany her when traveling abroad within the Commonwealth countries. Apart from supporting her with official engagements, he also brought a contrasting yet complementary energy to her own composed nature. As per Harris, “His humorous spirit and sociable character provided balance to the queen’s quieter disposition.” Moreover, Prince Philip promoted advancements like broadcasting live coverage of events such as the coronation or allowing documentaries inside Buckingham Palace, thus pushing for greater transparency, whereas Elizabeth upheld traditional values. Over decades together, theirs evolved into a legendary partnership celebrated not only for enduring steadfastness but also deep love and shared esteem between them,” notes Gullace.
She ruled as queen for almost seven decades.
On February 6, 2017, Queen Elizabeth II achieved the milestone of becoming Britain’s longest-ruling sovereign with a remarkable 65-year tenure, commemorating this historic event through her Sapphire Jubilee. This significant moment was celebrated with special editions of currency notes and stamps, cannon salvos, and even a newly unveiled photograph captured by renowned British lensman David Bailey. In this image, Her Majesty can be seen adorned with sapphires gifted to her upon marriage by her late father, King George VI, back in 1947. As the reigning monarch who has held office longer than anyone else in British annals, her time on the throne culminated in festivities known as the Platinum Jubilee between June 2nd and 5th, 2022. Should curiosity about these occasions arise,
What occurs next now that King Charles has ascended to the throne?
The response is clear: Following the queen will be quite challenging. “Prince Charles will find it extremely difficult to succeed her because his mother’s long-standing presence and deep connection to British history contribute significantly to her popularity,” explains Gullace. Nonetheless, out of respect for the queen, we must adjust to this shift, much like she frequently had to do throughout her illustrious rule.
Sources:
-
The Official Website of the Royal Family
Queen Elizabeth II -
The Official Website of the Royal Family
Journal of occurrences during The Queen’s early years -
The Official Website of the Royal Family
: “Swan Upping” -
The Official Website of the Royal Family
50 Facts About The Queen’s Coronation -
The Official Instagram Account of the Royal Family
: Science Museum post
