How Queen Elizabeth II Became the Queen of Britain
- Update Time : 07:31:07 pm, Sunday, 8 September 2024
- / 87
Queen Elizabeth II became the queen of Britain not because of her own achievements but due to her family background. When she became queen, the British Empire was already in decline. Despite this, she took the crown and elevated the monarchy to new heights. Elizabeth ruled as queen for 70 years, being the queen for nearly half of the world’s population. She passed away on September 8, 2022.
A Milestone of 70 Years
Just a few months before her death, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 70 years on the throne with a grand Platinum Jubilee. The Guardian, a British daily, noted that although she followed the rules to become queen, Elizabeth II managed her long reign almost perfectly.
In 1953, after World War II, Elizabeth became queen at a time when the world was changing rapidly. The once-powerful British Empire was on the decline. There were questions about whether there was still a need for kings and queens. During this uncertain time, Elizabeth not only embraced the role of queen but also maintained the importance of the royal family. She became the head of the Commonwealth, a group of independent countries that emerged from the British Empire.
You can also know
Reuters reported that Queen Elizabeth II adapted well to the changing world.
Was Queen Elizabeth a Feminist?
One of the most debated comments about the late Queen Elizabeth came from Olivia Colman. Colman, who played Elizabeth in the Netflix series “The Crown,” described her as a “feminist icon” who was “not at all embarrassed.” This statement sparked discussions both in the UK and beyond. Was Queen Elizabeth truly a feminist?
In British politics, the queen’s role was mostly ceremonial. She avoided getting involved in politics, making it hard to determine what exactly she did to support women’s progress, according to former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell. Campbell, who was Canada’s first and only female prime minister, noted that leading by example can have a big impact. When women or ordinary people achieve something important and visible, it changes our perceptions of what is possible.
In a speech at the Commonwealth Summit in 2011, Queen Elizabeth said, “Women can make a difference.” Campbell pointed out that Elizabeth’s words reminded society of the potential for women and encouraged them to find opportunities to play their full roles.
A Long Reign and a Legacy
Queen Elizabeth II adorned the British throne for over seven decades. She passed away on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, at the age of 96. The news of her death was met with mourning outside Buckingham Palace.
Unique Leadership
Queen Elizabeth II was committed and devoted to her duties. Her example set a path for other women to fully dedicate themselves to their careers. Campbell said Elizabeth was hardworking and a mother, showing that women could do everything at once. Elizabeth was part of a group of people who often tell others, “Yes, women can do this.” She proved it, often facing very challenging tasks.
Fifteen British prime ministers served under Queen Elizabeth, including three women: Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May, and Liz Truss. Thatcher, known as the “Iron Lady,” was the first female prime minister in 1979 and served the longest in the 20th century. Queen Elizabeth also witnessed changes in 15 U.S. presidents during her reign, maintaining friendly relations with almost all of them.
New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Helen Clark had several meetings with Queen Elizabeth. She noted that the queen’s later activities spoke volumes about her unique leadership. Elizabeth wanted to serve until her last breath and succeeded in doing so. Clark believes that Queen Elizabeth II’s leadership will continue to influence women for generations.
Campbell added that Elizabeth was very aware of her role in the UK and the Commonwealth. This awareness made her a successful leader. She knew when to step back as the UK’s power declined and never tried to influence British politics. Elizabeth stayed in the role that suited her.
Birth and Early Life
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London. Her full name was Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor. Her father was King George VI and her mother was Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Elizabeth was the first of two children. Her sister, Princess Margaret, was born in 1930.
Elizabeth began her education at home rather than in school, with Marion Crawford as her teacher. Her path to the throne opened when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in 1936. Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, became king, making Elizabeth the next in line.
At age 10, Elizabeth came into the public eye as the heir to the throne. She made her first public appearance at age 16 in 1943 and joined the military for training in 1945.
Love, Marriage, and Children
In 1947, Elizabeth married Prince Philip. Philip, who was from a Greek royal family, passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99. Elizabeth first met Prince Philip before World War II when she was 13 years old. He made a lasting impression on her.
The couple fell in love and began writing letters to each other. Prince Philip was invited several times to stay with the royal family, and Elizabeth had his picture on her dressing table. In 1943, Philip proposed, but some in the royal family had objections due to his “rough” manners and nationality.
Before their engagement, Philip gave up his Greek citizenship and became a British citizen, adopting the Mountbatten surname. The day before the wedding, King George VI gave Philip the title “His Royal Highness” and, on the wedding day, the title “Duke of Edinburgh.” Elizabeth and Philip married at Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947.
The wedding was seen as a “ray of color” in post-war Britain, according to Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
The couple had four children. Their first child, King Charles, was born in 1948 and became king immediately after Elizabeth’s death. Their other children are Princess Anne (1950), Duke of York Prince Andrew (1960), and youngest child Prince Edward (1964).
