Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s Longest-Serving Monarch, Dies at 96
FILE - Britain's Queen Elizabeth leaves after a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey, London, Oct. 12, 2021.
LONDON —
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96 at her Balmoral residence in Scotland. She was Britain’s longest-serving monarch and this year celebrated 70 years on the throne.
Elizabeth was the only monarch most living Britons have ever known: a symbol of her nation, its empire and its Commonwealth.
Early life
Her teenage years were overshadowed by World War II, which she and her sister largely spent in the relative safety of Windsor Castle, west of London.
She personified British strength and character long before she even knew she would be queen.
In 1947, on her 21st birthday — then seen as the beginning of adulthood — she gave a now-famous televised address on her first official overseas tour in South Africa. “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,” she said.
In Photos: The Life of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II
1/19The Duchess of York, right, holds in 1926 in London her firstborn, Princess Elizabeth, under the loving gaze of her husband, the Duke of York and future King George VI. Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926.
2/19Queen Elizabeth, second from left, future Queen Mother; her daughter Princess Elizabeth, front center, future Queen Elizabeth II; Princess Margaret, front right; and King George VI, right, pose on the Buckingham Palace balcony, May 12, 1937, following his coronation.
3/19In her first radio broadcast, 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth, right, said that England's children at home were full of cheerfulness and courage. She is shown with her younger sister, Princess Margaret Rose, before the broadcast, in London on Oct. 13, 1940.
4/19Princess Elizabeth receives the hood of a Bachelor of Music from the Earl of Athlone, chancellor of London University, at the University's Senate House in London, July 10, 1946.
5/19Princess Elizabeth leaves Westminster Abbey in London, with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, after their wedding ceremony, Nov. 20, 1947.
6/19People in London read news of King George VI's death in newspapers, Feb. 6, 1952.
7/19Surrounded by clerics and ladies-in-waiting, Queen Elizabeth II sits in the Chair of Estate in Westminster Abbey, London, June 2, 1953, before being crowned.
8/19In this previously unpublished 1969 file photo, Queen Elizabeth II, background center, and Prince Philip sit with their children Prince Edward, left, Princess Anne, background, Prince Charles, foreground, and Prince Andrew, right, at Sandringham House, in Sandringham, England.
9/19President Ford and Queen Elizabeth dance during the state dinner in honor of the queen and Prince Philip at the White House, July 17, 1976 in Washington.
10/19Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, wave to a crowd of well-wishers, Aug. 10, 1977, from a partly closed window in Hillsborough Castle, 12 miles south of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
11/19South African President Nelson Mandela is accompanied by Queen Elizabeth II in a carriage ride to a Buckingham Palace lunch on the first day of his state visit to Britain, July 9, 1996.
12/19Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip view the floral tributes to Diana, Princess of Wales, at London's Buckingham Palace, Sept. 5, 1997.
13/19Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip arrive by horse-drawn carriage in the parade ring on the third day, traditionally known as Ladies Day, of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting at Ascot, England, June 16, 2011.
14/19Queen Elizabeth II, right, talks to her grandson Peter Phillips, left, and his wife, Autumn, during day five of Royal Ascot in Ascot, England, June 22, 2019.
15/19Queen Elizabeth II, with Prince Charles, delivers the Queen's Speech at the official State Opening of Parliament in London, Oct. 14, 2019.
16/19Queen Elizabeth II looks at the coffin of her husband, Prince Philip, who died at the age of 99, during his funeral service at St George's Chapel, in Windsor, April 17, 2021.
17/19Queen Elizabeth II, joined by one of her dogs, looks at a display of memorabilia from her Golden and Platinum Jubilees in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, in this undated but recent image that was released Feb. 4, 2022.
18/19From left, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince Charles; Queen Elizabeth II; Prince Louis; Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge; Princess Charlotte; Prince George; and Prince William watch from the balcony of Buckingham Place after the Trooping the Color ceremony in London, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the queen's Platinum Jubilee.
19/19Queen Elizabeth waits in the Drawing Room before receiving Liz Truss, the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Sept. 6, 2022.
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That same year she married the Greek-born Prince Philip. He was a distant cousin, the son of Prince Andrew of Greece and the great-great-grandson of Britain's Queen Victoria.
Coronation
In February 1952, Princess Elizabeth and her husband were in Kenya when news broke of the death of her father, King George XI. She returned to London as Queen Elizabeth II. Her coronation, at the age of 27, took place in Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953.
She saw a thorough transformation of society and technology during her reign of more than seven decades, a time in which she warned about the dangers of throwing away ageless ideals while embracing the advantages of new inventions. She sent out her first tweet in 2014.
Record-breaking
There are few royal records she did not break: she was Britain's most traveled, oldest, longest-reigning monarch.
“As head of the Commonwealth, the queen has links with the past. Sometimes it's a past that's difficult to come to terms with because you think of empire, you think of colonial exploitation for example,” royal author and broadcaster Richard Fitzwilliams told VOA. “But so far as the queen is concerned, you think of her dedication to the organization.”
As head of state, Queen Elizabeth II represented Britain in friendships with those who held in common the British values of freedom, equality and democracy — and with dignity she faced those who did not. She traveled to more than 100 countries and met countless prime ministers, presidents, kings and queens — hosting many of them in lavish state visits to London.
State visits
Among the dozens of world leaders to visit Buckingham Palace during her reign were Ethiopian Emperor Haile Salassie; French President Charles de Gaulle; Emperor Hirohito of Japan; President Nelson Mandela of South Africa; President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe; Russian President Vladimir Putin; U.S. Presidents George Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump; and Xi Jinping of China.
The queen was not immune to criticism in her own country. Some targeted her as a symbol of an institution out of step with a postmodern, neo-liberal and democratic world – and a burden on the British taxpayer.
Diana
The death of the popular Princess Diana in 1997 was an opportunity for critics who accused her of being coldly slow to react. When she did address the nation, it was heartfelt. “What I say to you now, as your queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart. First, I want to pay tribute to Diana myself. She was an exceptional and gifted human being,” Elizabeth said.
Photos: Britons Mourn Queen Elizabeth II
1/18A child lays flowers at the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in Scotland, on Sept. 8, 2022, following the announcement of the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
2/18Well-wishers gather around the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace, after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in central London on Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
3/18Floral tributes are pictured on the road outside the Balmoral Estate in Ballater, Scotland, on Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
4/18People lay flowers on the gate of Buckingham Palace in central London after it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II has died, in central London on Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
5/18People react as they gather outside Buckingham Palace in central London after it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had died, in central London on Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
6/18People gather outside Buckingham Palace in central London after it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II has died, in central London on Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
7/18People gather in front of Buckingham Palace, after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
8/18People gather outside Buckingham Palace following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
9/18People gather to pay their respects outside of Buckingham Palace, after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in central London on Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
10/18People gather outside Buckingham Palace in London as a double rainbow appears, Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
11/18Two people walk with Union flag umbrellas as they stand in front of Buckingham Palace, after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
12/18People gather outside the gates of the Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 8, 2022, following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
13/18A woman leaves a floral arrangement, after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in front of Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
14/18Mourners gather laying flowers outside Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England, Sept. 8, 2022, following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
15/18People pass by an image of Queen Elizabeth II projected onto a large screen at Piccadilly Circus, in London, Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
16/18People gather outside Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 8, 2022, after the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II was announced.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
17/18Notes accompany floral arrangements placed in front of the gates of Balmoral Castle, after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
18/18A man wears the Union flag honoring Queen Elizabeth II as he stands in front of Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 8, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who sat on the throne for 70 years, died Thursday at 96. Admired for her dedication to her job, Queen Elizabeth was seen by many Britons as a pillar of strength for the country at a time when the nation was navigating its diminishing world power. Britons flocked to British landmarks to remember their queen, the only monarch that most in Britain have ever known.
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The marriage of her grandson Prince William to Kate Middleton in 2011 brought youthful glamour to the ancient institution.
When Prince Harry married American actor Meghan Markle seven years later, Queen Elizabeth II was at the head of a family that appeared to be moving with the times: popular, diverse and global.
Family troubles
But there were painful times ahead. Her second son, Prince Andrew, was investigated for links to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Harry and Meghan fell out with the royal family amid accusations of racism.
The passing of Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Philip, in 2021 left an enduring image: a queen mourning alone — as the coronavirus pandemic swept across her nation.
In June 2022, Britain celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70th year on the throne.
On Sept. 6, just two days before her death, she appointed Liz Truss the 15th prime minister of her reign. It would be her last major public duty.
Legacy
Queen Elizabeth remains a giant in the history of one of the planet's most influential nations; a bridge between Britain's colonial past and its future as a global player in a world vastly different from the one in which she was born.
Visiting Germany in 2015, addressing President Joachim Gauck, she spoke of the vast changes she had witnessed. “In our lives, Mr. President, we have seen the worst but also the best of our continent. We have witnessed how quickly things can change for the better, but we know that we must work hard to maintain the benefits of the post-war world,” she said.
Elizabeth will be remembered for her dedication, says royal biographer Matthew Dennison. “I think the importance of the length of her reign is simply that throughout that period she went on doggedly doing the job to the very best of her ability with total conviction — and I think with love,” Dennison told Reuters.
Britain's royal tradition, of which Elizabeth was a steward, is now in the hands of her heirs, as her first son, King Charles III, ascends the throne. The Britain they inherit is a drastically different one in terms of demographics, culture and economics.
In a globalized, pluralistic world, their job of projecting an image of greatness is no less complicated.
