In her long reign Elizabeth was called upon to manage many political crises but also many scandals involving the palace.
by Eleni Logothetis
On the afternoon of Thursday, September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth peacefully passed away from a life full of days and works, at the age of 96, but causing with her death worldwide sadness and emotion.
The world recognized in Elizabeth her unwavering commitment to duty – in a heavy crown she wore from “sponda” at the age of only 25 – her innate kindness, calm strength but also her adaptability to the demands of the times, always to the benefit of the popularity and survival of the institution of the monarchy.
In her first sermon as a still young princess, on her 21st birthday, she told her people, “I will not have the strength to carry out this task alone,” and asked for their help in the years to come. Her subjects in Britain and all the Commonwealth nations followed and adored her.
Perhaps the only moment in her 70-year reign that she lost the love of the world was the mishandling of the death of Princess Diana – even then she managed to reverse the negative climate that seriously shook the institution.
Elizabeth ascended the throne after the death of her father, King George V, on 6 February 1952. She was on tour in Kenya when she was told the sad news. When asked what name she will take as queen she replied: “Mine of course. What a question!’
Her grand coronation in June of that year was the first televised coronation ceremony and the first international broadcast of the event by the BBC. The idea belonged to her husband Prince Philip and she herself accepted it, despite the objections of Prime Minister Churchill. Radio was always her favorite medium but she immediately understood the power of the image.
In the following decades, Elizabeth was “educated” historically and politically and transformed from a 25-year-old beautiful queen to a respected leader.
During her tenure she appointed 15 prime ministers – the first being Sir Winston Churchill in 1955 – met all US presidents (14 in all, except Lyndon Johnson) and almost every political and religious leader of the day while touring almost all the world .
Amidst her busy schedule, she became the mother of 4 children and publicly always remained a devoted wife, although privately she probably experienced moments of unhappiness due to rumors of Philip’s infidelities.
She always kept her smile and politeness, even when she received “unwanted” guests either politically or because she did not respect protocol and British ethos. Indicative double example: In July 2018, she, all queen, waited patiently for Donald Trump, who set her up for a full 15 minutes. When the First Lady and the Planetary finally arrived at Buckingham, they did not bow to her, which made the British furious, but she greeted them with a smiling handshake, as if nothing was happening.
In her long reign, Elizabeth was called upon to manage many political crises – without ever expressing a public opinion – but also many scandals involving the palace. Charles’s divorce from the populist Diana and, much later, Prince Andrew’s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were two indicative “problems” that were eventually overcome without serious casualties.
The Queen had the ability to be patient, to remain neutral, and to “break” royal protocol by accepting the mores of the new era when it was for the good of the institution. She accepted the divorce of Charles to “free” the unhappy Diana and she accepted the marriage of her two grandsons, William and Harry two common mortals.
In moments of national pride, Elizabeth was always present, even with an edge and humor.
Her appearance with Daniel Craig-James Bond in a mini-film for the needs of the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games will be unforgettable.
In June 2022, as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Queen appeared in a humorous video drinking tea in the palace with the famous Paddington bear. What other leader has done something similar?
Over the years, Elizabeth grew, aged and established herself in the British consciousness as their beloved “grandmother”. Pastel daisies and pearls became her trademark and she continued to serve the crown undaunted.
Prince Philip, her beloved husband “friend and companion” of 73 years, died in April 2021, aged 99. Since then the widowed Queen Elizabeth began to “fall”. Her health deteriorated significantly, she ceded most of her responsibilities to her son Charles and grandson William, and kept her official appearances to a minimum.
On September 6, 2022, she performed her last task with all the strength she had left: She appointed Liz Truss as the country’s prime minister.
“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built, the great country it is today because of her,” said Truss – and perhaps she was absolutely right.
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
