Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary woman who achieved a lot in her 96 years prior to her passing on Sept. 8, 2022. She was the queen of the United Kingdom and 15 Commonwealth realms for over 70 years, which is an incredible feat. Furthermore, her lengthy reign earned her a score of titles, including one of the longest-reigning monarchs in human history.
Elizabeth held quite a list of titles to her name, including the longest-reigning and longest-lived British monarch. When she became the longest-reigning British monarch in September 2015, it was actually her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, whom she overtook. Elizabeth certainly had an impressive reign.
Her early life before she became the queen was just as fascinating as the long time she held the throne, and in fact, she wasn’t always destined to become the ruling monarch. The queen was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, and was the eldest daughter of King George VI and Elizabeth, Duchess of York. At birth, she was not first in the line of succession, but after her uncle abdicated the throne and her father became King, she became next in line.
As a little girl, the queen was affectionately addressed as Lillibet by her loved ones, and this nickname would later mean so much to her upon the passing of her beloved husband, Prince Philip. After her father, King George VI, died in February 1952, Elizabeth was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at just 27 years old on June 2, 1953.
On the 1-year anniversary of Elizabeth’s passing, we look back on her extraordinary life.
When Elizabeth was just 21 years old and had yet to take the throne, she had already publicly pledged to serve the commonwealth. “I declare before you all with my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service,” she said.
In terms of a royal love story, Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s was one for the ages. They announced their engagement on July 8, 1947, and married a few months later, on Nov. 20, 1947, in Westminster Abbey. The following year, Elizabeth gave birth to King Charles III, their first child. They had four children in total — Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. The queen and Prince Philip’s 73-year marriage and love story of a lifetime was truly an inspiration. Unlike many royal marriages that are arranged matches, this marriage was based entirely on love.
Sadly, Philip passed away aged 99 in April 2021, mere weeks before Elizabeth’s 95th birthday. He was the oldest-ever male member of the British royal family. The queen was said to be heartbroken after she lost her “strength and stay.”
The public was used to seeing Elizabeth at her very best all the time, so there was some concern for her health when she was recovering from a back injury in November 2021. When she couldn’t be present for her five-yearly visit to General Synod, which is the national assembly of the Church of England, she made sure to include a meaningful message for all attendees.
It was the first time that the queen had not attended the event since it first began in 1970. Naturally, she was deeply missed, but she did not leave attendees without someone there representing the crown.
ELLE reported that part of the queen’s message stated:
“None of us can slow the passage of time, and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings.”
For the queen’s 96th birthday — her last birthday alive — the official Royal Family Instagram account celebrated and posted a nostalgic photo of Elizabeth from when she was just 2 years old. A never-before-seen photo of the late queen was also shared that showed Elizabeth alongside her passion – horses.
On Sept. 8, 2022, Elizabeth passed away, her reign coming to an end. She passed away while at her home in Balmoral after Buckingham Palace had earlier announced that she was under medical attention. It was a devastating day for the royal family as many members gathered to be by her side in her final moments.
Since her death in September 2022, reporters have effectively confirmed that the queen did indeed choose to be in her country home-away-from-home. Vanity Fair royal correspondent Katie Nicholl said that the queen, seemingly aware the end was near, did in fact want to be at Balmoral Castle prior to her passing, as reported by Yahoo. It seems that the monarch, knowing her failing condition, understandably did not think she would come back from Scotland after having made the trip.
Nicholl said that the queen “knew she wasn’t going to come back (to Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace). I think she wanted to be in Balmoral and she wanted to pass there.” More than a beautiful piece of Scotland, it seems Balmoral was a place where the monarch could be more than just the queen of England, as there, she could be a “mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.”
Elizabeth’s funeral drew millions of mourners from all over, both in-person and virtually. The queen’s body first lay in state at Westminster Hall, where members of the public paid their respects. Then she was buried at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which is the resting place of her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip was also interred and joined Elizabeth at the memorial chapel. Her coffin, which was carried to its final resting place on Sept. 19, 2022, was also bedecked with more subtle tributes, like a symbolic flower arrangement, which included blooms from her beloved Balmoral.
Members of the royal family, such as King Charles III, Prince William, and other family members with military titles, were expected to wear their ceremonial military titles, according to Harper’s Bazaar. Princess Anne also wore her military wardrobe.
Women in the royal family who have no military experience also have a certain wardrobe they must adhere to. Camilla, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle, due to tradition, wore a black wardrobe, a black hat, with a black veil optional.
Kate wore an “all-black mourning ensemble: an ebony coat dress, a matching hat with a netted veil, stockings, pointed-toe heels, and a clutch.” Her earrings belonged to the late Princess Diana.
Although Elizabeth is no longer with us, her memory has continued to live on. Following her passing, Charles released a heartfelt statement honoring his mother. Upon taking the throne, he said:
“Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well-lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”
Elizabeth’s long-lasting legacy is sure to continue living on.
What can you say about the late queen? Are you touched to see the ways the royal family has honored her over the years? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones.
