Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Britain's Longest Reigning Monarch
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 22nd, 1926, in London to Prince Albert Duke of York and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Bows-Lyon. While she was never meant to be Queen, she became one of the longest reigning monarchs in world history and the longest to ever sit on the throne. On the occasion of her death, it feels appropriate to talk about her accomplishments and reign but also to discuss the colonialism and privilege her position created for her and many people around the world.
Elizabeth waves from the balcony of Buckingham palace after her coronation (1953)
Elizabeth's spent most of her early life with her mother, father, and younger sister Margaret Rose until at ten years old she was declared heir to the throne after her uncle abdicated the throne and her father took on the task of being King.
Elizabeth and her father King Geroge VI
As heir to the throne of one of Europe's longest-lasting monarchies, Elizabeth took up many formal duties, such as attending charity events and doing several royal tours with her family to help boost the popularity of her family.
When World War II broke out, Elizabeth took an active role and served as a mechanic during the war and made several appearances at hospitals and supported young people like herself who were suffering. When the war ended, she and her family took a tour of south Africa, and on her 21st birthday, she made a speech which defined the tone of her reign.....
"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.
Elizabeth giving her speech on the BBC in Cape Town South Africa on her 21st brithday
Elizabeth's reign had many milestones in her life:
June 2, 1953
Elizabeth's Coronation was the first one to be televised
1965
First State Visit to West Germany -
1977
Silver Jubilee
1981
Prince Charles' Wedding to Lady Diana Spencer
1986 & 1997
Handover of Hong Kong and visit to China
1997
Her Response to the Death of Princess Diana
2002
The Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrated her fifty years on the throne
2011
Visit to Republic of Ireland (the first visit to Ireland in over 100 years by a British monarch)
2021
Death of Prince Phillip, her husband of over 74 years
2022
Platinum Jubilee (Elizabeth was the first Monarch in British history to celebrate 70 years on the throne)
Elizabeth celbrating her platnium jubilee
As much as many are mourning her passing, it's also important to remember that many people around the world are celebrating her death. Elizabeth came to the throne during the decolonization period, and while throughout her reign many of these former colonies were freed from British rule, many viewed her as a colonizer. It's understandable that many feel this way, and its important to be respectful of the people who choose to mourn and those who choose to celebrate her death because both are very valid responses to the passing of a historical figure with a complicated legacy.
As much as she will be missed by some and much less by others, Elizabeth was constant in the lives of many people in Britain and all over the commonwealth. She was perhaps one of the greatest monarchs the UK ever had and her legacy will live on for a long time.
With the death of the Queen have come many new changes in the royal family and some things in Canada that we have come to be used to in the last seventy years. The queen's son, now known as King Charles III, has come into power and will very soon be present on Canadian currency, and his initials will soon be present on many things like post boxes. Additionally, Charles's son, William has been proclaimed Prince of Wales, and the UK will have a Princess of Wales for the first time since the death of Princess Diana. It's impossible to predict how the new Kings reign will be but we can hope that Charles can pave a good path during his time on the throne and leave things in good repair for his son and grandson.
