“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” -Queen Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II ruled as Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth nations from 6 February 1952 until 8 September 2022. Throughout her life, she was queen regnant of 32 sovereign kingdoms and served as monarch of 15 of them as of September 8, 2022. Her 70-year-and-214-day reign was the longest of any British monarch and the longest of any female head of state in history.

In 1952 when her father died, 25 years old Elizabeth became the queen of seven independent Commonwealth countries namely; the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and then Ceylon, as well as Head of the Commonwealth. 

Major political shifts like the Troubles in Northern Ireland, devolution in the UK, decolonization of Africa, and the UK’s membership in the European Communities and exit from the European Union all occurred during Elizabeth’s constitutional monarchy.

The number of her realms varied over time as territories gained independence and some became republics. Her many historic visits and meetings include state visits to China in 1986, Russia in 1994, and the Republic of Ireland in 2011.

Here is a reflection on some important events that took place during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. 

Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation – June 2nd, 1953

Elizabeth’s coronation ceremony held at Westminster Abbey was the first to be broadcast live on television. Some 27 million people in the United Kingdom watched the ceremony, and 11 million more listened on the radio. Afterwards, about 3 million people lined the route as the queen and her entourage made their slow procession back to Buckingham Palace.

First State Visit to West Germany – 1965

Amid a decade marked by social and political changes, the queen kept to a busy schedule of diplomatic duties, including a 10-day visit to the Federal Republic of Germany that was the first official visit there by a British royal since 1913. Her visit marked the 20th anniversary of the end of World War II, helping to symbolize the reconciliation between the two countries and recognize Germany’s re-emergence as a power in Europe and on the world stage. 

Mining Disaster in Wales – 1966

An avalanche of mud, water, and debris from a coal mine buried an elementary school in the South Wales village of Aberfan, killing 116 children and 28 adults. Though Prince Philip arrived in Aberfan a day after the disaster, the queen herself delayed her visit for over a week, fearing her presence would distract from rescue and recovery efforts. 

First ‘Walkabout’ – 1970

During a royal tour of Australia and New Zealand with Philip and Princess Anne in 1970, Elizabeth bucked centuries of royal tradition when she took a casual stroll to greet crowds of people in person, rather than wave to them from a protected distance. Now a regular practice for British royals both abroad and at home, the first “walkabout” in Sydney was proposed by Sir William Heseltine, an Australian who served as the queen’s private secretary and was the driving force behind a 1969 TV documentary featuring the royal family, which attracted a global audience of some 40 million people. 

Silver Jubilee – 1977

On June 7, Elizabeth, and Philip rode in the Gold State Coach from Buckingham Palace to St. Paul’s Cathedral to officially celebrate her 25th year on the throne. The queen repeated her long-ago pledge to devote her life to service, saying that “Although that vow was made in my salad days when I was green in judgment, I do not regret nor retract one word of it.”

Other than these, Prince Charles Wedding to Lady Diana Spencer – 1981, Visit to China – 1986, Annus Horribilis – 1992, Response to Princess Diana’s death – 1997, Golden Jubilee – 2002, Visit to the Republic of Ireland – 2011, Birth of Prince George – 2013, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s wedding – 2018, Prince Philip’s death – 2021, Platinum Jubilee – 2022 our some significant events that took place during her time. 

Queen Elizabeth rarely gave interviews, and little was known of her personal feelings. She did not explicitly express her own political opinions in a public forum, as it is against convention to ask or reveal them.  

She had a deep sense of religious and civic duty and took her Coronation Oath seriously. Aside from her official religious role as Supreme Governor of the established Church of England, she worshipped with that church and the national Church of Scotland. She demonstrated support for inter-faith relations and met with leaders of other churches and religions.

Further, she was the patron of more than 600 organizations and charities. The Charities Aid Foundation estimated that Elizabeth helped raise over £1.4 billion for her patronages during her reign. 

Her main leisure interests included equestrianism and dogs, especially her Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Her lifelong love of corgis began in 1933 with Dookie, the first corgi owned by her family. Scenes of relaxed, informal home life were occasionally witnessed; she and her family, from time to time, prepared a meal together and washed the dishes afterwards.

With the death of Queen Elizabeth, it denotes that the London bridge is down, as the entire operation of London is on her majesty, Prince Charles is officially appointed as the King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms, and the United Kingdom stepped into a new era with the appointment of King Charles III.

Written by: Rtr. Neka Rochelle

Graphic Design by: Rtr. Supun Tharaka