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| Queen Elizabeth II in Toronto, c2010. Image: Wikimedia Commons |
Reigning for 65 years does not pass without leaving a legacy, more so unforgettable moments that will remain in the annals of history. Let us relive some of the most unforgettable moments in the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, including some of the most challenging times that served as her defining moment.
Coronation
In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned
at Westminster Abbey. Despite the damp London weather, thousands of merry
Britons flocked the streets of London where the royal procession would pass
about, hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved sovereign. About 10 thousand
servicemen – a quarter of them “soldiers of the Queen” from the Commonwealth – joined
in the coronation procession. Heads of states from around the world also came
to London to honor Her Majesty. In fact, length of her coronation was such that
it took almost an hour to pass any one spot. Likewise, about 100,000 seats were
built along processional route aside from the 7,000 seats reserved at
Westminster Abbey.
First
year on the throne—The Commonwealth World Tour
Queen Elizabeth II immediately embarked
on her
first and longest tour in November 1953, together with the Duke of
Edinburgh. Dubbed the World Commonwealth Tour, it lasted until May 1954
spanning over 40,000 miles, one that took her to different Commonwealth states,
including West Indies, Australia, Asia, and Africa, one that ended in
Gibraltar, Her Majesty’s first and only visit to the disputed territory.
Silver
Jubilee Celebrations
In 1977, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated
her Silver
Jubilee. On June 7, a Thanksgiving Service was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral
in London. Joining her were members of the British Royal Family, as well as
world leaders including U.S. President Jimmy Carter and then-Prime Minister
James Callaghan. Also present were the Queen’s former prime ministers:
Macmillan, Douglas-Home, Wilson and Heath. The procession proceeded to
Buckingham Palace after the Service, where thousands of people lined the
streets to greet Her Majesty and bid her their greetings. In the other parts of
Great Britain, street parties were organized. About 4,000 street and neighborhood parties were
organized to celebrate Her Majesty’s special milestone.
The
Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer
The wedding
of Prince Charles to then 20-year-old Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981,
was a global spectacle that made it the “Wedding of the Century.” Many years,
afterwards, that fateful day that transformed a shy lady into the world’s
well-loved "Queen of Hearts" continues to capture every girl’s
imagination that a dashing prince will one day come and propose for a fairy
tale wedding that’s bound towards happily-ever-after.
1992:
Annus Horribilis
The year 1992 was supposed to be
celebrated because the Queen reached her 40th year on the throne. It was,
however, overshadowed by a series of events, making 1992 the “annus horribilis”
in the annals of the British Family. Three events happened that placed the
monarchy at its most troublesome year: the Charles-Camilla affair that led to
the separation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the scandal involving the
Duke and Duchess of York, and the fire at Windsor Castle.
Death
of the Princess of Wale
The year 1997 was another trying time for
the Queen. In 1996, the Prince Charles and the Princess of Wales were divorced.
On August 31, 1997, while eluding the paparazzi in Paris, Diana and her
boyfriend, Harrod’s heir Dodi Fayed died in a car crash. Queen Elizabeth was
then enjoying a holiday at Balmoral when news broke of the Princess’ death.
However, the Royal Family, particularly the Queen, was criticized for not
sympathizing with the public. Pressures from public outcry of seclusion
compelled the Queen to appear on a live broadcast where she expressed her
admiration for Diana and her feelings "as a grandmother" for Princes
William and Harry. The Queen’s act eventually caused public hostility to
subside.
The
Golden Jubilee
While 2002 saw the death of Princess
Margaret and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, these, however, did not dampen
the celebrations of her Golden Jubilee. The festivities were capped by the
Queen’s extensive tour of her realms. The three-day Jubilee celebrations in
London welcomed a million people each day, a testimony of the public’s never-ending
love for the Queen. The number was surpassed any estimates made by the press.
The
Diamond Jubilee
In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated
her Diamond Jubilee. Other than her, only two other monarchs managed to reach
60 years on the throne: King George III and Queen Victoria. On her Accession
Day message, she pledged: "In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew
to your service…” The lighting of Jubilee beacons on June 4 around the world
highlighted the celebrations. Together with Prince Philip, Her Majesty embarked
on an extensive tour of the United Kingdom, while children and grandchildren,
meanwhile, touredthe Commonwealth realms. On December 18, 2012, the Queen
achieved another milestone after becoming the first British sovereign since
George III in 1781 to attend a peace-time Cabinet.
2016
: The Queen Becomes the Longest-Reigning British Monarch
Queen Elizabeth II surpassed Queen
Victoria’s reign to become the longest-reigning
monarch in British History. On making
another landmark in her life and reign, Her Majesty mentioned that the title
was "not one to which I have ever aspired."
Speaking before a gathering crowd in the
Scottish Borders, she said: "Inevitably a long life can pass by many
milestones - my own is no exception - but I thank you all and the many others
at home and overseas for your touching messages of great kindness.”
2017:
Sapphire Jubilee
The Queen set another milestone in 2017
as she celebrated
her 65th year on the throne. No other British sovereign has ever reached
this milestone, a feat that future monarchs would find hard to beat. The Queen
and the British Royal Family celebrated the event quietly, marked by 65-gun
salute on Accession Day.
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