The death of Queen Elizabeth II is a historic moment. She was the longest-reigning British monarch and the world’s longest-serving head of state. For over 70 years, she has been a symbol of stability and strength for her country. Millions of people around the world mourn her death. For many, she was a symbol of stability and resilience in a time of great turmoil and upheaval. In memory of her legacy, let’s take a look back at her life and how she came to be one of the most influential women of our time.
Queen Elizabeth Life
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on April 21, 1926, to the Duke and Duchess of York. She was third in line for the throne behind her uncle, Edward VIII, and her father, George VI. Her parents were not expecting her to become King and Queen and were said to be very surprised when Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936 so that he could marry Wallis Simpson. This made Elizabeth’s father the new King and her heir presumptive.
Elizabeth began her education at home like many young girls of her station. However, when World War II began, she and her sister were moved to Windsor Castle for their safety. It was during this time that Elizabeth developed a love for horseback riding, which would stay with her for the rest of her life.
After the war ended, Elizabeth finished her education at boarding schools in Scotland and Switzerland. In 1947, she married Prince Philip Mountbatten and they had four children together: Charles (Prince of Wales) Prince Andrew (Duke of York) Anne (Princess Royal), and Prince Edward (Earl of Wessex)
She became queen on February 6, 1952, at the age of 26. Since then, she has been a constant presence in the lives of her subjects. She has seen her country through some of its darkest times, including the terrorist attacks of September 11th and the Brexit vote.
Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to visit all 53 Commonwealth countries. She was also the first to be televised and the first to make a state visit to the United States. Her reign has seen huge changes in the world, including the end of the Cold War and the rise of social media.
Queen Elizabeth II led an extraordinary life and leaves behind an incredible legacy. She will be greatly missed by not only those in Britain, but also by people all around the world who were touched by her kindness, compassion, and wisdom. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
The Reign of Queen Elizabeth II: A Timeline of Key Events
During her nearly seventy-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II oversaw Britain’s transformation from a global superpower to a member state of the European Union. She also presided over a time of great social change, marked by increased racial diversity and gender equality. As the world grapple with the aftermath of her death, let’s take a look back at some of the key events during her historic reign.
- 1952: Queen Elizabeth II is crowned Queen of England following the death of her father, King George VI.
- 1965: The first official portrait of the Queen with her husband, Prince Philip, is released to mark their silver wedding anniversary.
- 1972: The first public investiture ceremony is held at Buckingham Palace, where the Queen awards knighthoods and other honors.
- 1977: Silver Jubilee celebrations are held to mark 25 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. 1979: The first Christmas broadcast by a reigning monarch is televised live from Sandringham House.
- 1981: The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer is held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London; more than 750 million people worldwide watch on television.
- 1996: Buckingham Palace is opened to the public for the first time in 150 years; more than 600,000 people visit during the 12-week opening period.
- 2002: Golden Jubilee celebrations are held to mark 50 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation; she undertakes a four-month tour of Britain with visits to all 52 Commonwealth countries.
- 2012: Diamond Jubilee celebrations are held to mark 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation; she becomes the second British monarch after Queen Victoria to celebrate a diamond jubilee.
- 2021: Following a surge in popularity thanks to her support during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new poll shows that 81% of Britons have a favorable view of the queen.
- 2022: Platinum Jubilee celebrations are planned to mark 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. The death of Queen Elizabeth II is announced; she dies at the age of 96 after a reign of nearly 70 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
- Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be succeeded by her eldest son, Prince Charles.
Thoughts
As the world mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we remember her as a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope. She was a monarch who led her country through some of its darkest times and left behind an incredible legacy. She will be greatly missed by not only those in Britain but also by people all around the world who were touched by her kindness, compassion, and wisdom. She will be remembered as a role model to many, an unyielding leader who steered Britain through some of its darkest hours. Elizabeth was a symbol of stability during a time when the world was constantly changing, and her death marks the end of an era.
