By now, you would have heard the sad news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. She was not only loved by the British citizens. She was warmly regarded across the globe. To say that Queen Elizabeth lived a full life is an understatement. She is Great Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life to service for 70 years.
She has lived through several monumental moments in history and has been a figure on the international stage for as long as any of us can remember.
Queen Elizabeth II- Her Life
She was born on 21 April 1926 and was not always on the fast track to the throne. However, after her Uncle King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry the love of his life, Wallis Simpson. Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI reluctantly became king, making her next in line to the throne. Under the guidance of her father, Queen Elizabeth became the first female of the royal family to assume active duty in the armed forces. It would seem that she was destined to be a trailblazer in so many ways.
She married Prince Phillip in 1947 and enjoyed blissful married life for 5 years before her father died in 1952 and she became Queen of the British Empire. She was 25 years old.
Queen Elizabeth’s Family
The Queen’s family is a part of her legacy. She and Prince Phillip had several children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Here is a quick look at the queen’s family tree.
Children- Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edwards
Grandchildren- Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall (Princess Anne’s children); Prince William and Prince Harry (Prince Charles’s children); Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie (Prince Andrew’s children); Lady Louise Windsor and James Viscount Severn (Prince Edwards’s children)
We won’t list the great grandchildren’s names but we will say that there are 12 at the moment and all of them were treasured by the Queen!
She was the matriarch that kept the entire family in orbit.
Queen Elizabeth on the World Stage
The queen has witnessed many changes over the many years that she ruled Great Britain. She experienced the industrial revolution and the technological age. The monarch changed and evolved under her watch and remain relevant when monarchies were crumbling all over the world. By using the media to her advantage, she was able to reach her people and maintain interest in the crown. Sometimes the publicity had negative backlash but they were always visible.
As the world changed the British Empire began to lose global influence and many former British colonies sort independence to manage their own affairs. She oversaw these monumental changes.
She met almost all the US presidents over the years and helped foster good relations. She was the first British Monarch to address the Congress of the United States of America.
She will be remembered for diplomacy and sheer grace when dealing with other nations.
Queen Elizabeth and the Government
The Queen is the head of the British State but the Prime Minister is the head of the British Government. She has worked with several prime ministers who have shaped history. You may remember the great Winston Churchill and the indomitable Margaret Thatcher.
Queen Elizabeth and Her charities
Queen Elizabeth had many charitable causes during her reign. Her legacy will live on in her humanitarian work that has touched so many lives. Throughout her years of service, she was affiliated with over 600 charities. The causes were wide and varied ranging from medical initiatives, poverty alleviation, military service and so much more. The queen also cared for the environment. She has planted over 1500 trees all over the world.
Queen Elizabeth and the Church of England
As queen, she was the head of the Church of England and was deeply religious. She relied on her faith to get her through life’s challenges over the years.
Queen Elizabeth lived a full life and leaves a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. She will be remembered and go down in history as being a pillar of stability to the United Kingdom and the world. As her iconic reign comes to an end, Queen Elizabeth leave an act that will not be tough to follow.
