London, 7 February 2022 (TDI): Queen Elizabeth has ruled Britain for the longest time. February 6 marked the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. The state celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of her reign.
Family background and Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth was born in London on April 21, 1926. At the time of her birth, a quarter of the world’s population was ruled by the United Kingdom. It was said that the sun never sets in this kingdom.
When Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne, the sun of British power had set in many parts of the world. But she is still the official head of many countries, including Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
During her 70-year reign, the Queen saw many ups and downs, but the beginning of her longest reign was the result of a coincidence.
Unexpected Succession as Heir of the Crown
Elizabeth’s father, George VI, was preceded by his elder brother, Edward VIII, who held the position from 20 January to 11 December 1936. Edward fell in love with a divorced American woman and wanted to marry her.
The King or Queen is also the head of the Church of England in Britain. Under the church, marriage lasts a lifetime, and divorced spouses cannot marry anyone else if they are alive. After the divorce, Wallis Simpson’s ex-husband, who was still alive, was opposed by the Church to the King’s marriage to her on that grounds. Left the kingdom.
As a result of Edward’s decision, his younger brother and Elizabeth’s father, George VI, became King of the United Kingdom. After the death of George VI, Elizabeth became Queen in 1954 at the age of only 25.
The “steadfast” Queen Elizabeth II became queen at a time when Britain was recovering from the effects of World War II. War ended in 1946. She has seen many Prime Ministers, Presidents, and Popes change during her reign. The Cold War and then the collapse of the Soviet Union are part of that 70-year history.
In the past, royal rulers were also remembered for their titles, such as William the Conqueror in Britain, Alfred the Great, and so on. The royal historian Hugo Walkers says that when one looks at the life of Queen Elizabeth, the title “steadfast” comes to mind.
End of the colonial era and the Wind of Change
Ghana was the last British colony in Africa to gain independence in 1957. Three years later, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Harold Macmillan, delivered a speech in South Africa entitled “The Winds of Change.” It has become a political reality.
Most of the British colonies in Africa and the Caribbean were liberated one by one. After the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the British Empire closed its doors.
Although there are still 14 different territories and islands outside the UK that are part of the Queen’s Kingdom and she is head of state of 15 Commonwealth countries, including Australia and New Zealand, this is more of a tradition than a rule.
Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in 2012 on the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne. The Winter Olympics were held in London the same year.
According to observers, the popularity of the British royal family began to rise again during this period. A year before the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the wedding of her grandson Prince William and Kate Middleton sent a good message to the public.
Separation of a longtime spouse
Prince Philip, the spouse of Queen Elizabeth died, on April 9, 2021. Prince Philip had been with her all the time during this seven-decade journey.
After the death of Prince Philip, the Queen’s reign began in an era in which she handed over most of her responsibilities to her successor and son, Prince Charles.
Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign: A Golden Age
Some observers have called Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign a golden age and compared her to her counterpart, Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled Britain four centuries ago. Elizabeth I’s reign is considered the greatest for Britain.
On the contrary, according to some observers, the Queen’s greatest achievement has been her ability to maintain her family’s monarchy in Britain, despite sweeping social and economic changes.
World leaders from the USA, China, UK, New Zealand, EU, Australia also sent best wishes for Queen Elizabeth on the occasion.
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