On Friday, April 9th, 2022, the world awoke to the sad news that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away at the age of 96. The longest-reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth was a much-loved and respected figurehead not only in her own country, but around the globe. In this blog post, we’ll take a look back at some of the most important moments in her life and explore the legacy she leaves behind
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on April 21st, 1926, to parents Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. She became heir presumptive to the throne when her father ascended to the throne following Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936. In 1947, she married Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, with whom she would go on to have four children: Charles, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew; and Prince Edward.
Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation took place on June 2nd, 1953. It was the first coronation to be televised, and an estimated 27 million people watched it live on television in the United Kingdom. The event was also broadcast around the world, making it one of the first ceremonies of its kind to be televised globally
Throughout her 68-year reign, she has seen 12 Prime Ministers come and go (including Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, and Theresa May) and survived over 30 attempted or successful Assassination attempts. In 1992 – what has become known as an “annus horribilis” – three of her four children’s marriages collapsed amid much negative publicity: Prince Charles separated from Diana, Princess of Wales; Anne divorced Mark Phillips; and Andrew separated from Sarah Ferguson. Later that year, fire seriously damaged Windsor Castle.
In 2001 – another landmark year – she became the first British monarch to celebrate a Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on the throne. Ten years later, she became the oldest sovereign ever when she surpassed Queen Victoria’s record-setting reign of 63 years and 216 days
During her lifetime she has witnessed incredible advancements in technology – from supersonic travel and space exploration to sustained human presence on other planets – as well as incredible social change; during her reign women have been given equal rights with men in education and employment opportunities and racial discrimination has been outlawed
Whilst no one can deny that Britain – and indeed the world – is a very different place than it was when Queen Elizabeth II took the throne all those years ago, her legacy endures. She will be remembered as a much-loved figurehead who dedicated her life to public service.”
King Charles, who officialy have chosen a name “Charles III” , becomes head of state in 14 Commonwealth realms.