Her unmistakable example of female power lives on. A power conceived during a time of gender bias. Her reign survived multiple wars, personal tragedies, and provided guidance in shaping not only Canada, but democracies around the world.
Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, the country’s figurehead and a towering presence on the world stage for seven decades, has died peacefully at her home in Scotland aged 96.
Elizabeth II was born in London on 21 April, 1926 and succeeded to the throne on 6 February, 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI.
She was born in Mayfair, London, as the first child of George and the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon. The Queen’s eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will become our new monarch.
It was announced on 8 September that Her Majesty was under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became worried about her health.
February 2022 saw the Queen mark her platinum jubilee, with the UK taking part in four days’ worth of celebrations later in the year.
Releasing a statement amid the celebrations, the Queen said she was ‘humbled and deeply touched’ and thanked people for their support while also acknowledging she wouldn’t be able to attend all the official events marking her 70th year on the throne.
The Queen now holds the record for the longest reign in the country’s 1,000-year history. She traveled to Malta for the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in the same year, which was her last time traveling abroad.
She collaborated with 15 Prime Ministers during her tenure, starting with Winston Churchill and ending with the current PM, Liz Truss.
The country’s longest-reigning king has had persistent mobility problems in recent years.
Despite health problems, Queen Elizabeth II continued her service and public duties well into her old age, regularly touring and visiting parts of the UK and Northern Ireland.
Her Majesty’s full statement said: “When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my platinum jubilee.
“While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family. I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.”The Queen concluded: “I thank you all most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations.”
In recent years the Queen had stepped back from a number of public duties, with other members of the Royal Family stepping in to cover for her.
Another blow came for the Queen last year, when she lost her husband of 74 years, Prince Philip. Philip died in April 2021, just two months before his 100th birthday.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” the new king, her eldest son Charles, said.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” the 73-year-old said in a statement.
Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, will stay at Balmoral Castle where the Queen passed away before flying back to London on Friday, according to Buckingham Palace.
On Elizabeth’s death, Charles automatically becomes king of the United Kingdom and the head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
We would like to send our condolences to the Royal Family and everyone affected by this very sad news.
