Queen Elizabeth
Did you know Queen Elizabeth?
I don’t think there’s anyone in the world who doesn’t know who Queen Elizabeth is. In the United States, we tend to think of her as a wise and regal figurehead, the symbol of a bygone era. But what do we really know about her? In this post, I’ll share some thoughts on Queen Elizabeth, her life, and her legacy.
Queen Elizabeth was born into a life of privilege in 1926, but she didn’t have an easy road to the throne. Her father, King George VI, was a reluctant monarch who faced challenges from within his own family. Elizabeth’s uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in order to marry an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson.This created a constitutional crisis in the UK, and Elizabeth’s father was thrust into the role of King. Elizabeth was just a child when her father became King, but she quickly learned the duties and responsibilities that came with her position. She was educated by some of the best tutors in the country, and she served in the British Armed Forces during World War II. Elizabeth became Queen in 1952, at the age of 25.
She has since been a steadying force during times of upheaval and change. She has seen twelve Prime Ministers come and go, and she has witnessed the transformation of the UK from a world power to a more subdued nation. Queen Elizabeth is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, and she shows no signs of slowing down. At the age of 96, she was still an active member of the royal family, carrying out official engagements and representing the UK on the world stage.
Ascension to the Crown
When Queen Elizabeth grandfather George V died in 1936, his eldest son (Elizabeth’s uncle) became King Edward VIII. Edward, however, was falling in love with American divorce Wallis Simpson and he had to choose on both of them between the crown and his heart. At the end, Edward chose Simpson and left the crown.
That event changed her life, making her the heir presumptive to the British crown. In 1937 her father was crowned King George VI taking on the name George to emphasize continuity with his father. Her mother became Queen Elizabeth; on King George’s death in 1952, and she became Queen Mother and her daughter became Queen Elizabeth II.
Coronation
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on 2 June 1953, 16 months after she ascended to the throne at the age of 25, upon the death of her father, King George VI. Elizabeth’s coronation gown was embroidered with the floral emblems of Commonwealth countries: the Tudor rose of England, thistle of Scotland, shamrock of Ireland, wattle of Australia, maple leaf of Canada, and feathers of New Zealand. Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, and Little John, who had featured on the coronation decorations for the last sovereign of the House of Tudor, Elizabeth I, in 1559, also returned for Elizabeth’s coronation. Its a first time ever, the coronation ceremony was Live broadcast on television, allowing people from across the globe to witness the pomp and spectacle of the event.
Prince Philip Queen Elizabeth Husband
In 1947, Prince Philip Mountbatten, formerly Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich of the United Kingdom. He married Elizabeth on 20 November 1947. On the morning of their wedding, he was created the Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Together they have four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Philip retired from his royal duties on 2 August 2017, aged 96, having completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952. Philip died on April 9, 2021, at age 99
Family Tree
Queen Elizabeth II is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Queen Victoria was the monarch at the time of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth II’s children are Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. She also has eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Queen Elizabeth Reign
Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning British monarch, having surpassed the 63 years and 216 days reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria on 9 September 2015. On 6 February 2017, she became the first British monarch to celebrate a Sapphire Jubilee, commemorating 65 years on the throne. Elizabeth has handled roles as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, head of the Commonwealth, and head of state of 16 independent Commonwealth realms.
Queen Elizabeth Relationship With Prime Ministers
Since 1952, the Queen has held weekly meetings with her prime ministers, currently Theresa May. These meetings are known as audiences, and are held in the presence of an official secretary to the monarch. The meetings are private, and the discussions between the Queen and her prime minister are confidential.
Threats to Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family
Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family have been the target of many threats and attack over the years. In 1970, an extremist group calling themselves The Angry Brigade claimed responsibility for a series of bombings in London, which included two attempted attacks on Buckingham Palace. In 1981, a man armed with a gun and a sword tried to enter Buckingham Palace, and in 1982, another man climbed the wall and entered the palace grounds. In 2013, it was revealed that a man had been arrested and charged with making plans to assassinate the Queen.
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