Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - )
Elizabeth II became Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 06 February 1952. In addition she is Head of the Commonwealth.
However, Elizabeth was not born to be Queen. Her Uncle was King Edward VIII, but he was never crowned due to his abdication. Elizabeth's father was next in line to the throne and although he never expected to rule, he was declared King on 12 December 1936 and Elizabeth became his heir.
In 1952, Elizabeth became Queen at the age of 25. In 2002, Elizabeth celebrated her Golden Jubilee (50 years on the throne) and in 2009 her 83rd birthday.
Queen Elizabeth II is currently the second longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, ranking behind Victoria, who reigned over the UK for 63 years.
However, Elizabeth was not born to be Queen. Her Uncle was King Edward VIII, but he was never crowned due to his abdication. Elizabeth's father was next in line to the throne and although he never expected to rule, he was declared King on 12 December 1936 and Elizabeth became his heir.
In 1952, Elizabeth became Queen at the age of 25. In 2002, Elizabeth celebrated her Golden Jubilee (50 years on the throne) and in 2009 her 83rd birthday.
Queen Elizabeth II is currently the second longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, ranking behind Victoria, who reigned over the UK for 63 years.
A work in progress
What a huge topic!
To attempt to write a complete lens on The Queen, is a monumental task. There is so much to write about. However, I have taken a few themes about The Queen's life and this is one of those lenses that will be so easy to refresh and update, because there is so much to tell.
But for now, here is just a glimpse into the life of one of the most famous, and I suspect one of the best loved, people in the world.
But for now, here is just a glimpse into the life of one of the most famous, and I suspect one of the best loved, people in the world.
Diversity to perform for The Queen
2009 winners of Britain's Got Talent will appear on the Royal Variety Performance
On Saturday 30 May 2009, street dancers Diversity shocked the world by beating Susan Boyle to win the final of Britain's Got Talent.
What the Judges said:
Simon Cowell said that he thought the British public had chosen the right winners.
Piers Morgan said all his predictions were completey wrong but he is happy with the final result.
Amanda Holden said - well have a look at the video to find out!
What did The Queen say about this fab group appearing on her special annual show, the Royal Variety Performance? We will never know as The Queen never gives press interviews!!
What the Judges said:
Simon Cowell said that he thought the British public had chosen the right winners.
Piers Morgan said all his predictions were completey wrong but he is happy with the final result.
Amanda Holden said - well have a look at the video to find out!
What did The Queen say about this fab group appearing on her special annual show, the Royal Variety Performance? We will never know as The Queen never gives press interviews!!
Diversity - winners of Britain's Got Talent 2009
The Queen will see something like this
This is the performance that won Britains Got Talent 2009 and yes, Sparky, Lizzie and I all voted for Diversity.
Commisserations to Susan Boyle but I am sure even as I type the job offers are flooding in!
Commisserations to Susan Boyle but I am sure even as I type the job offers are flooding in!
Diversity - Final - Britains Got Talent 2009 (HQ)
Diversity perform on the final of Britains Got Talent 2009.
Runtime: 5:25
5337724 views
10 Comments:
The Queen's Birthday
21 April
Various events marked the Queen's birthday around the UK on 21 April 2009. In London there was a 41 Gun Salute by the King's Troop Royal Artillery in Green Park at noon and a 62 Gun Salute by the Honourable Artillery Company at Gun Wharf, Tower of London at 1300 hrs.
However, although Elizabeth II was born on 21 April, it has long been the tradition to celebrate her birthday publicly on a day in the summer, when good weather is more likely. The Queen's birthday is officially celebrated by the ceremony of Trooping the Colour on a Saturday in June.
The Trooping of the Colour is carried out by fully trained and operational troops from the Household Division, which comprise the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry, at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. The event is watched by members of the Royal Family, invited guests and members of the public.
The Queen used to participate in the ceremony on horseback but following an incident on 13 June 1981, when a man fired blanks from an imitation handgun near her, she gave in to pressure to attend the ceremony in a horse drawn carriage.
The incident was discussed in the House of Commons on June 15 when the following entry was made in Hansard, which is the official record of all parliamentary discussions and proceedings:
"The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. William Whitelaw): With permission, Mr. Speaker, I will make a statement. As the House is aware, on Saturday 13 June, as Her Majesty was making her way to the ceremony of Trooping the Colour, a man in the crowd of sightseers fired six shots of blank ammunition using an imitation revolver. A man was immediately arrested and has been charged by the police under section 2 of the Treason Act 1842. As the matter is now sub judice, the House will realise that it would be wrong this afternoon to discuss details of the incident itself."
Read the rest of the records: HERE
However, although Elizabeth II was born on 21 April, it has long been the tradition to celebrate her birthday publicly on a day in the summer, when good weather is more likely. The Queen's birthday is officially celebrated by the ceremony of Trooping the Colour on a Saturday in June.
The Trooping of the Colour is carried out by fully trained and operational troops from the Household Division, which comprise the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry, at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. The event is watched by members of the Royal Family, invited guests and members of the public.
The Queen used to participate in the ceremony on horseback but following an incident on 13 June 1981, when a man fired blanks from an imitation handgun near her, she gave in to pressure to attend the ceremony in a horse drawn carriage.
The incident was discussed in the House of Commons on June 15 when the following entry was made in Hansard, which is the official record of all parliamentary discussions and proceedings:
"The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. William Whitelaw): With permission, Mr. Speaker, I will make a statement. As the House is aware, on Saturday 13 June, as Her Majesty was making her way to the ceremony of Trooping the Colour, a man in the crowd of sightseers fired six shots of blank ammunition using an imitation revolver. A man was immediately arrested and has been charged by the police under section 2 of the Treason Act 1842. As the matter is now sub judice, the House will realise that it would be wrong this afternoon to discuss details of the incident itself."
Read the rest of the records: HERE
Queen Elizabeth II is a Taurus
The Queen's Zodiac Sign
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Taurus
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What's your horoscope, Taurus? The two words that sum you up are: "I have". You have unequalled patience, are very resourceful but you are also very aquisitive. So who are you really Taurus? What's your best colour? What's your lucky number? Who are...
The Queen's Official Birthday
Trooping of the Colour, 13 June 2009
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Trooping the colour
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Trooping the Colour is one of the most colourful ceremonies held in England. This military pagent is held annually on Horse Guards Parade in St James Park, in London to celebrate The Queen's Official birthday. Although Queen Elizabeth II was born on...
Current news about Queen Elizabeth II: The Queen meets President Obama & G20 leaders
This module will be regularly updated
01st April 2009
The Queen, and her husband Prince Philip, met President Barrack Obama, and The First Lady, Michelle Obama, at Buckingham Place. There is a great video on the BBC website that shows the Queen greeting the President and the sound is very clear too.
President Obama gave The Queen a gift of an i-pod with a recording of her visit to the USA in 2007.
Later that day Queen Elizabeth II hosted a drinks reception for the G20 Leaders, who are meeting in London to begin efforts to finalise an agreement to tackle the global financial crisis (follow link for BBC video) where Royal Watchers were totally "gobsmacked" about what happened.......
The Queen, and her husband Prince Philip, met President Barrack Obama, and The First Lady, Michelle Obama, at Buckingham Place. There is a great video on the BBC website that shows the Queen greeting the President and the sound is very clear too.
President Obama gave The Queen a gift of an i-pod with a recording of her visit to the USA in 2007.
Later that day Queen Elizabeth II hosted a drinks reception for the G20 Leaders, who are meeting in London to begin efforts to finalise an agreement to tackle the global financial crisis (follow link for BBC video) where Royal Watchers were totally "gobsmacked" about what happened.......
Did Michelle Obama offend Queen Elizabeth?
Michelle Obama puts an arm around The Queen!! GASP!
There is an unwritten protocol that apart from a handshake NO ONE touches The Queen. What happened when Michelle Obama made history by breaking with protocol?
Elizabeth's titles and authority
The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth
In addition to the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II is also Queen of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. In each country she is represented by a Governor-General.
These 16 countries are known as The Commonwealth. Their total population is over 129 million. The total land area makes Elizabeth one of only a few monarchs to reign over parts of every continent on earth.
The Queen's other titles include Head of the Commonwealth, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Duke of Normandy, Lord of Mann, and Paramount Chief of Fiji.
In theory her powers are vast; however, she rarely becomes involved in political matters, leaving the running of the country to the democratically elected government.
These 16 countries are known as The Commonwealth. Their total population is over 129 million. The total land area makes Elizabeth one of only a few monarchs to reign over parts of every continent on earth.
The Queen's other titles include Head of the Commonwealth, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Duke of Normandy, Lord of Mann, and Paramount Chief of Fiji.
In theory her powers are vast; however, she rarely becomes involved in political matters, leaving the running of the country to the democratically elected government.
What do you think of Queen Elizabeth II?
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Queen Elizabeth's brief biography
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street, London. She was the first child of Albert, Duke of York, and his wife, formerly Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.Elizabeth and her younger sister Margaret Rose (born 1930) were educated at home. On the outbreak of war in 1939, they were evacuated to Windsor Castle. In 1945, Elizabeth joined the war effort, training as a driver in the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service (WATS). In November 1947, she married a distant cousin, Philip Mountbatten (formerly Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark), who was created Duke of Edinburgh.
George VI died on 6 February 1952 while Elizabeth and Philip were in Kenya. She returned home immediately, and was crowned at Westminster Abbey in June 1953.
For more than five decades, during a period of great change in Britain, the Queen has carried out her political duties as head of state, the ceremonial responsibilities of the sovereign and a large annual programme of visits in the United Kingdom as well as numerous foreign tours.
Despite the controversies and scandals surrounding her children and other members of the royal family, she remains a respected and highly regarded head of state.
Books about Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II: A Birthday Souvenir Album (Royal Collection)
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Queen Elizabeth II: A Celebration of Her Majesty's Fifty-Year Reign
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Happy and Glorious: A Celebration of the Life of HM Queen Elizabeth II
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Queen Elizabeth II: A Portrait in Stamps
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Royal Sisters: Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret
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World War II & after
Elizabeth was 13 years old when World War II broke out, and she and her younger sister were evacuated to Windsor Castle. The government suggested that the two princesses be evacuated to Canada but Elizabeth's mother made the famous reply: The children won't go without me. I won't leave without the King. And the King will never leave.
The children remained at Windsor, where they staged pantomimes at Christmas, to which family and friends were invited, along with the children of the Royal Household staff.
It was from Windsor that in 1940, Elizabeth made her first radio broadcast during the BBC's Children's Hour, addressing other children who had been evacuated from the cities.
Soon after this, Elizabeth first met for the first time Philip Mountbatten, whose ancestors had been members of the Greek and Danish royal families. Elizabeth began to write to Philip while he served in the Royal Navy.
In 1945, Princess Elizabeth joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she was known as No. 230873, Second Subaltern Elizabeth Windsor. She trained as a driver, and drove a military truck making her the first, and only, female member of the Royal Family to actively serve in the armed forces.
This was the first time Elizabeth had been taught along with other students, which led her to send her own children to school rather than have them educated at home as she had been.
At the end of the war in Europe, on VE Day, Elizabeth and her sister Margaret sneaked away and joined the celebrations taking place in The Mall, outside Buckingham Palace.
Two years later, the Princess accompanied her parents on her first official overseas tour, to South Africa. It was there that on her 21st birthday, she made a broadcast to the British Commonwealth, pledging I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.
It is this pledge that underpins her determination to continue to serve her country even through advancing old age.
The children remained at Windsor, where they staged pantomimes at Christmas, to which family and friends were invited, along with the children of the Royal Household staff.
It was from Windsor that in 1940, Elizabeth made her first radio broadcast during the BBC's Children's Hour, addressing other children who had been evacuated from the cities.
Soon after this, Elizabeth first met for the first time Philip Mountbatten, whose ancestors had been members of the Greek and Danish royal families. Elizabeth began to write to Philip while he served in the Royal Navy.
In 1945, Princess Elizabeth joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she was known as No. 230873, Second Subaltern Elizabeth Windsor. She trained as a driver, and drove a military truck making her the first, and only, female member of the Royal Family to actively serve in the armed forces.
This was the first time Elizabeth had been taught along with other students, which led her to send her own children to school rather than have them educated at home as she had been.
At the end of the war in Europe, on VE Day, Elizabeth and her sister Margaret sneaked away and joined the celebrations taking place in The Mall, outside Buckingham Palace.
Two years later, the Princess accompanied her parents on her first official overseas tour, to South Africa. It was there that on her 21st birthday, she made a broadcast to the British Commonwealth, pledging I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.
It is this pledge that underpins her determination to continue to serve her country even through advancing old age.
A Royal Wedding
Princess Elizabeth marries Philip Mountbatten
Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, on 20 November 1947. AS a member of the Greek royal family, before their marriage Philip renounced his claim to the Greek throne, and was simply referred to as Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten. It was just before the wedding that the King made him Duke of Edinburgh and granted him the title of His Royal Highness.
The marriage was not without controversy. Philip was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church and had no independent financial means.
In post-war Britain, it was unthinkable that any of the Duke of Edinburgh's German relations be invited to the wedding, including Philip's three surviving sisters, each of whom had married German princes, some of them with Nazi connections.
The sole exception was Philip's mother, who was born at Windsor of parents who had both renounced their German titles. Also, the King's sister, Princess Mary, allegedly refused to attend because her brother, the Duke of Windsor, was not invited due to the circumstances surrounding the abdication in 1936. Princess Mary, who was also known as The Princess Royal, gave ill health as the official reason for not attending.
Rationing meant that the Princess had to save up her rationing coupons to buy the material for her gown. The wedding dress was designed by Sir Norman Hartnell and was woven at Winterthur Silks Limited, Dunfermline, in the Canmore factory, using silk that had come from Chinese silkworms at Lullingstone Castle.
Following the wedding, the couple leased their first home, Windlesham Moor, until 1949, when they took up residence at Clarence House. However, at various times between 1946 and 1953, the Duke of Edinburgh was stationed in Malta (at that time a British Protectorate) as a serving Royal Navy officer. For two years, between 1949 and 1951, the couple lived in Malta in a villa which Louis Mountbatten, Earl Mountbatten of Burma and Philip's Uncle, had bought in about 1929.
The marriage was not without controversy. Philip was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church and had no independent financial means.
In post-war Britain, it was unthinkable that any of the Duke of Edinburgh's German relations be invited to the wedding, including Philip's three surviving sisters, each of whom had married German princes, some of them with Nazi connections.
The sole exception was Philip's mother, who was born at Windsor of parents who had both renounced their German titles. Also, the King's sister, Princess Mary, allegedly refused to attend because her brother, the Duke of Windsor, was not invited due to the circumstances surrounding the abdication in 1936. Princess Mary, who was also known as The Princess Royal, gave ill health as the official reason for not attending.
Rationing meant that the Princess had to save up her rationing coupons to buy the material for her gown. The wedding dress was designed by Sir Norman Hartnell and was woven at Winterthur Silks Limited, Dunfermline, in the Canmore factory, using silk that had come from Chinese silkworms at Lullingstone Castle.
Following the wedding, the couple leased their first home, Windlesham Moor, until 1949, when they took up residence at Clarence House. However, at various times between 1946 and 1953, the Duke of Edinburgh was stationed in Malta (at that time a British Protectorate) as a serving Royal Navy officer. For two years, between 1949 and 1951, the couple lived in Malta in a villa which Louis Mountbatten, Earl Mountbatten of Burma and Philip's Uncle, had bought in about 1929.
Queen Elizabeth's children and grandchildren
Elizabeth gave birth to her first child, Prince Charles several weeks after the King had granted her children the right to royal status. They would otherwise have been titled as merely the children of a Duke.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales
Born 14 November 1948. Married Lady Diana Spencer, 29 July 1981. Children: Prince William of Wales, Prince Henry (known as Harry) of Wales. Divorced 28 August 1996.
Married Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles 09 April 2005.
Princess Anne, Princess Royal
Born 15 August 1950. Married Captain Mark Phillips 14 November 1973. Children: Peter Phillips, Zara Phillips. (Princess Anne has declined royal titles for her children.) Divorced 28 April 1992.
Married Timothy Laurence, 12 December 1992.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York
Born 19 February 1960. Married Lady Sarah Ferguson 23 July 1986. Children: Princess Beatrice of York, Princess Eugenie of York. Divorced 30 May 1996.
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex
Born 10 March 1964. Married Sophie Rhys Jones 19 June 1999. Children: Lady Louise Windsor, Viscount Severn
Prince Charles, Prince of WalesBorn 14 November 1948. Married Lady Diana Spencer, 29 July 1981. Children: Prince William of Wales, Prince Henry (known as Harry) of Wales. Divorced 28 August 1996.
Married Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles 09 April 2005.
Princess Anne, Princess RoyalBorn 15 August 1950. Married Captain Mark Phillips 14 November 1973. Children: Peter Phillips, Zara Phillips. (Princess Anne has declined royal titles for her children.) Divorced 28 April 1992.
Married Timothy Laurence, 12 December 1992.
Prince Andrew, Duke of YorkBorn 19 February 1960. Married Lady Sarah Ferguson 23 July 1986. Children: Princess Beatrice of York, Princess Eugenie of York. Divorced 30 May 1996.
Prince Edward, Earl of WessexBorn 10 March 1964. Married Sophie Rhys Jones 19 June 1999. Children: Lady Louise Windsor, Viscount Severn
Prince Charles 60th birthday
14 November 2008
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Prince Charles is 60
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Destined to become King Charles III, Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne was 60 on 14 November 2008. In January 2008 Charles became the world's longest serving heir apparent, passing the record of 59 years and 73 days previously held by Ki...
Queen Elizabeth memorabilia on ebay
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Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne
The death of George VI - 06 February 1952
King George VI's health deteriorated during 1951, and Elizabeth stood in for him at public events, visiting Greece, Italy and Malta. In October during trips to Canada and the USA the Princess carried with her a draft Accession Declaration for use if the King died while she was out of the United Kingdom.
In January 1952, Elizabeth and Philip set out for a tour of Australia and New Zealand; however, on 6 February when they reached Kenya, word arrived of the death of Elizabeth's father, from lung cancer. The royal party was staying at Sagana Lodge (often called Treetops) at the time, and Elizabeth was given the news by her husband.
The royal party returned to the United Kingdom, while Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen first in Canada, by the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, on 6 February, followed by her British proclamation, read at St. James's Palace the following day.
On 24 March 1953, the Queen's grandmother, Queen Mary, died of lung cancer. Her dying wish was that the coronation not be postponed because of her passing. The ceremony took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. The entire ceremony was, save for the anointing and communion, televised throughout the Commonwealth, and watched by an estimated twenty million people. Around three million people lined the procession route.
Elizabeth's gown was designed and made by Norman Hartnell and featured embroidered floral emblems of the countries of the Commonwealth: the Tudor rose of England, the Scottish thistle, the Welsh leek, shamrocks for Ireland, the wattle of Australia, the maple leaf of Canada, the New Zealand fern, South Africa's protea, two lotus flowers for India and Ceylon, and Pakistan's wheat, cotton, and jute. Following the ceremony, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh moved into Buckingham Palace. However, it is well known that as with many of her predecessors, Elizabeth dislikes the palace as a residence, and considers Windsor Castle to be her home.
In January 1952, Elizabeth and Philip set out for a tour of Australia and New Zealand; however, on 6 February when they reached Kenya, word arrived of the death of Elizabeth's father, from lung cancer. The royal party was staying at Sagana Lodge (often called Treetops) at the time, and Elizabeth was given the news by her husband.
The royal party returned to the United Kingdom, while Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen first in Canada, by the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, on 6 February, followed by her British proclamation, read at St. James's Palace the following day.
On 24 March 1953, the Queen's grandmother, Queen Mary, died of lung cancer. Her dying wish was that the coronation not be postponed because of her passing. The ceremony took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. The entire ceremony was, save for the anointing and communion, televised throughout the Commonwealth, and watched by an estimated twenty million people. Around three million people lined the procession route.
Elizabeth's gown was designed and made by Norman Hartnell and featured embroidered floral emblems of the countries of the Commonwealth: the Tudor rose of England, the Scottish thistle, the Welsh leek, shamrocks for Ireland, the wattle of Australia, the maple leaf of Canada, the New Zealand fern, South Africa's protea, two lotus flowers for India and Ceylon, and Pakistan's wheat, cotton, and jute. Following the ceremony, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh moved into Buckingham Palace. However, it is well known that as with many of her predecessors, Elizabeth dislikes the palace as a residence, and considers Windsor Castle to be her home.
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
The Coronation
02 June 1953
Handel - Coronation Anthems / Gritton, Blaze, M. George, Choir of King's College Cambridge, AAM, Cleobury
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Music from the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
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Coronation Ode, Op. 44: VI. Finale: Land of Hope and Glory (Contralto, Chorus)
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Timeline: 1947 - 1980
1947 - Princess Elizabeth marries Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh
1948 - When she was 22 Princess Elizabeth's first child Prince Charles was born
1950 - Two years later Princess Anne was born
1952 - The King died of cancer and Princess Elizabeth was declared Queen
1953 - The coronation took place in Westminster Abbey
1960 - Birth of Prince Andrew. The Queen became the first reigning Sovereign to have a child since Queen Victoria, who had her youngest child, Princess Beatrice, in 1857.
1965 - The Beatles receive MBE medals from The Queen
1964 - Birth of Prince Edward
1969 - The Queen sent a message of congratulations to Apollo 11 astronauts for the first moon landing. The message was micro-filmed and deposited on the moon in a metal container
1972 - The death of the Queen's Uncle, The Duke of Windsor (formerly Edward VIII)
1973 - The Sydney Opera House in Australia is officially opened by The Queen
1974 - Kidnap attempt on Princess Anne and her husband. Four people wounded
1977 - The Queen's Silver Jubilee was celebrated
1979 - Earl Mountbatten of Burma murdered by the IRA
1948 - When she was 22 Princess Elizabeth's first child Prince Charles was born
1950 - Two years later Princess Anne was born
1952 - The King died of cancer and Princess Elizabeth was declared Queen
1953 - The coronation took place in Westminster Abbey
1960 - Birth of Prince Andrew. The Queen became the first reigning Sovereign to have a child since Queen Victoria, who had her youngest child, Princess Beatrice, in 1857.
1965 - The Beatles receive MBE medals from The Queen
1964 - Birth of Prince Edward
1969 - The Queen sent a message of congratulations to Apollo 11 astronauts for the first moon landing. The message was micro-filmed and deposited on the moon in a metal container
1972 - The death of the Queen's Uncle, The Duke of Windsor (formerly Edward VIII)
1973 - The Sydney Opera House in Australia is officially opened by The Queen
1974 - Kidnap attempt on Princess Anne and her husband. Four people wounded
1977 - The Queen's Silver Jubilee was celebrated
1979 - Earl Mountbatten of Burma murdered by the IRA
The Royal Family at
the funeral of Earl Mountbatten
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1992 - The Annus Horribilis
Both in a speech made to the Lord Mayor of London on 24 November 1992 and in her Christmas broadcast to The Commonwealth in the same year, the Queen referred to her "Annus Horribilis" (horrible year). When you look at what happened, you could hardly blame her!
In March 1992, it was announced that the Queen's second son, the Duke of York, would separate from his wife Sarah. Later in the year, scandalous pictures of a topless Sarah being kissed by her friend, John Bryan, were published in the tabloids
In April, the Queen's daughter, the Princess Royal, was divorced from her husband Captain Mark Phillips
In November, just four days before the Guildhall speech, one of the Queen's favourite homes Windsor Castle, caught fire. The Castle was seriously damaged, and several priceless artifacts were destroyed. Originally, it was planned that the Government would pay the £40 million bill for repairs, but there a huge public outcry against public funds being used. The Queen subsequently agreed to open up several royal residences to tourists. The entrance fees and other funds raised paid for the repairs
In December the separation of the Prince of Wales and his wife Diana was announced by The Prime Minister, John Major, to a stunned Parliament
Full speech: here
Full speech: here
The Queen on DVD
Starring Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren's portrayal of The Queen was highly acclaimed and won her an Oscar for Best Actress
The Queen
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Days of Majesty / Queen Elizabeth II
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Timeline: 1981 -
1981 - Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer
Queen is shot at by a youth with a gun loaded with blank bullets
1982 - Prince Andrew returns safely from active combat in the Falklands conflict
The Queen is confronted by an intruder in her bedroom at Buckingham Palace
1982 - Prince William is born and becomes second in line to the throne
1984 - Prince Harry is born and becomes third in line to the throne
1986 - The Queen celebrated her 60th birthday & the Queen was the first British Monarch to visit China
1992 - Death of the Duchess of Windsor (Wallis Simpson)
Fire wrecks part of the Queen's home at Windsor Castle
1993 - The Queen starts to pay income tax to the Inland Revenue
1996 - Prince Charles was divorced from Princess Diana
1997 - Princess Diana was killed in a car crash
The Queen launched Buckingham Palace's first official website.
The 50th wedding anniversary of Elizabeth and Philip
1999 - The Queen's son Edward, Earl of Wessex, married Sophie Rhys-Jones
2002 - The Queen's younger sister Princess Margaret died following a long illness.
Soon afterwards, the Queen mother also died
During that year she also marked her Jubilee - 50 years on the throne.
2003 - The Earl and Countess of Wessex have a baby girl
2005 - Prince Charles marries his second wife Camilla Parker-Bowles, who becomes The Duchess of Cornwall.
2006 - The Queen celebrated her 80th birthday on 21 April.
2007 - The 60th wedding Anniversary of Elizabeth and Philip
Elizabeth became the United Kingdom's oldest serving monarch, surpassing the record held by Queen Victoria
2008 - Prince Charles' 60th birthday
Queen is shot at by a youth with a gun loaded with blank bullets
1982 - Prince Andrew returns safely from active combat in the Falklands conflict
The Queen is confronted by an intruder in her bedroom at Buckingham Palace
1982 - Prince William is born and becomes second in line to the throne
1984 - Prince Harry is born and becomes third in line to the throne
1986 - The Queen celebrated her 60th birthday & the Queen was the first British Monarch to visit China
1992 - Death of the Duchess of Windsor (Wallis Simpson)
Fire wrecks part of the Queen's home at Windsor Castle
1993 - The Queen starts to pay income tax to the Inland Revenue
1996 - Prince Charles was divorced from Princess Diana
1997 - Princess Diana was killed in a car crash
The Queen launched Buckingham Palace's first official website.
The 50th wedding anniversary of Elizabeth and Philip
1999 - The Queen's son Edward, Earl of Wessex, married Sophie Rhys-Jones
2002 - The Queen's younger sister Princess Margaret died following a long illness.
Soon afterwards, the Queen mother also died
During that year she also marked her Jubilee - 50 years on the throne.
2003 - The Earl and Countess of Wessex have a baby girl
2005 - Prince Charles marries his second wife Camilla Parker-Bowles, who becomes The Duchess of Cornwall.
2006 - The Queen celebrated her 80th birthday on 21 April.
2007 - The 60th wedding Anniversary of Elizabeth and Philip
Elizabeth became the United Kingdom's oldest serving monarch, surpassing the record held by Queen Victoria
2008 - Prince Charles' 60th birthday
Queen Elizabeth pays tribute to Diana, The Princess of Wales
On the eve of the funeral
Diana Princess of Wales tribute
How popular is Queen Elizabeth?
Normally more popular than her Prime Ministers!
The Queen continues to be a popular figure in the UK and other countries. Opinion polls have almost always shown that she has an excellent approval rating, which is often significantly higher than that of her elected Prime Ministers. Since she has little political power she is unlikely to be held responsible for unpopular policies followed by elected politicians.
In 2002, the Queen was ranked 24th in the "100 Greatest Britons" poll. However, in 1997, she and other members of the Royal Family were perceived in the British tabloid press as cold and unfeeling when they did not participate in the public outpouring of grief at the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
It is unclear whether Elizabeth held negative feelings towards Diana. A few days after Diana's death the Queen also gave a live television broadcast paying tribute to Diana. This was unprecedented as the Queen will never normally publically comment on anything, other than to broadcast her message to the Commonwealth on Christmas Day.
When the horse drawn gun carriage carrying Diana's coffin passed Buckingham Palace, the Queen was clearly seen bowing to the carriage and I am sure I saw her say "God bless you".
Naturally shy, although you would not realise it, in recent years The Queen has been seen laughing and smiling much more than in the past. But she has also been witnessed shedding tears during emotional occasions such as at Remembrance Day services, the memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral for those killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks, and in Normandy, for the 60th anniversary of D-Day, where she addressed the Canadian troops. She was also seen wiping her eyes as she left Westminster Abbey following the funeral of her mother.
In 2002, the Queen was ranked 24th in the "100 Greatest Britons" poll. However, in 1997, she and other members of the Royal Family were perceived in the British tabloid press as cold and unfeeling when they did not participate in the public outpouring of grief at the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
It is unclear whether Elizabeth held negative feelings towards Diana. A few days after Diana's death the Queen also gave a live television broadcast paying tribute to Diana. This was unprecedented as the Queen will never normally publically comment on anything, other than to broadcast her message to the Commonwealth on Christmas Day.
When the horse drawn gun carriage carrying Diana's coffin passed Buckingham Palace, the Queen was clearly seen bowing to the carriage and I am sure I saw her say "God bless you".
Naturally shy, although you would not realise it, in recent years The Queen has been seen laughing and smiling much more than in the past. But she has also been witnessed shedding tears during emotional occasions such as at Remembrance Day services, the memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral for those killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks, and in Normandy, for the 60th anniversary of D-Day, where she addressed the Canadian troops. She was also seen wiping her eyes as she left Westminster Abbey following the funeral of her mother.
What Queen Elizabeth has to say about her "job"
Queen Elizabeth II Reflects on her life, rare footage
The day world famous photographer Annie Leibovitz met her match?
Annie Leibovitz - Monarchy
A rare public comment from Queen Elizabeth
The Queen describes the effects of the Credit Crunch as "awful"
On 05th November 2008 it was reported by many national newspapers that the Queen made a public comment about a national and international problem. She questioned why experts had failed to see the world financial crisis looming Wednesday, describing the situation as "awful".
During a visit to the London School of Economics the Queen was briefed on the origins and effects of the credit crunch.
"Why did nobody notice it?" the Queen asked, adding that the turmoil was "awful".
Economics professor Luis Garicano told her: "At every stage, someone was relying on somebody else and everyone thought they were doing the right thing."
During a visit to the London School of Economics the Queen was briefed on the origins and effects of the credit crunch.
"Why did nobody notice it?" the Queen asked, adding that the turmoil was "awful".
Economics professor Luis Garicano told her: "At every stage, someone was relying on somebody else and everyone thought they were doing the right thing."
The Queen's Christmas Message 2008
Every year on Christmas Day a message from Queen Elizabeth II is broadcast at 3pm GMT on radio and television.
The Queen's favourite breed of dog
Corgies!
The Queen has owned more than 30 corgis during her reign, starting with Susan who was a present for her 18th birthday in 1944. A good proportion of these have been direct descendants from Susan. Her Majesty currently has four corgis - Pharos, Swift, Emma and Linnet.Source: The Queen's official website
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Welsh Corgi Gifts
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The Welsh Corgi is a type of small dog that originated in Wales. Cor gi means "dwarf dog" in Welsh. Welsh Corgis are generally recognized as two distinct breeds: the Cardigan and the Pembroke. Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are among th...
The lighter side of being Queen
Lighter side of .... Queen Elizabeth II
AJ's other "British" lenses
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St Tiggywinkles
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St Tiggywinkles is the biggest wildlife hospital in the world and it is located in a small village in rural England. According to the St Tiggywinkles' website every year in Britain over five million wild animals and birds are injured as a direct res...
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Pantomime - a Great British Tradition
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In the UK a Pantomime, or "Panto" as it is usually affectionately called, is a musical show, performed around Christmas for the entertainment of millions of families. Many of the stories are based around popular Fairy Tales. Children love to see thei...
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David Miliband
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In September 2008 it was widely thought that David Miliband was gearing up for a Labour Party leadership challenge, which if successful, would have ousted Gordon Brown as Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He is a member of the Pri...
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Remembrance Day
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Remembrance Day is on the second Sunday in November. In the UK Ceremonies and Services are held in Churches and at War Memorials in cities, towns and villages all over country. The nation pays homage to those who died in the two World Wars and other...
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Christmas at AJ's
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Christmas at AJ's is quite a traditional affair. There's Christmas stockings that Santa fills on Christmas Eve, presents under the tree, turkey for lunch, games in the evening and of course we have to watch Dr Who. The only thing that is usually miss...
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Do you have some stories to share?
Do you want to get a message across about something you believe in?
Do you have a website to promote?
Would you like to try your hand at writing on Squidoo?
Then become a Lensmaster! You may even make some extra cash too! AND it is free!
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Links to more information
All the information in this lens, with the exception of personal observations, was found on the following websites
- The Queen's website
- The Queen's official website
- The BBC
- The BBC's history pages
- Children's BBC
- CBBC Newsround - Your stories, your world - first!
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia
- Wikimedia
- Images freely available to publish - certain conditions may apply
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Please stay a little longer to tell us what you like/dislike about Queen Elizabeth II
Share your stories, sightings, thoughts, rants, raves...
mukunda22 wrote...
I like it that the queen uses Homeopathy to treat her illnesses!!
Thank you!!
Posted June 05, 2009
fanfreluche wrote...
I love her a lot! I think once she's dead, it will be the end of the monarchy as we know it. She is an institution by herself. Her son and grandsons will never ever be able do to such a fine job as a monarach. 5*
Posted June 01, 2009
C-Joy wrote...
Such a huge subject to cover in a lens - you've done it brilliantly! I really do think I was born on the wrong side of the Atlantic -Rule Brittannia :)
Posted May 31, 2009
lollyj wrote...
Wonderful lens on a fascinating woman.
Very well done. 5 and fave.
Posted May 31, 2009
debnet wrote...
Absolutely superb lens Aj! Lensrolled and featured on my Southampton UK lens ;)
Posted May 06, 2009
papawu wrote...
I swear think that woman may very well outlive Charles.lol. Even though no fuss was made about it, I found it kind of funny that Michelle Obama broke the unwritten rule that you never touch the Queen to garner her attention.
Posted April 02, 2009
About AJ
AJ is very proud and humble to be a Squidoo Angel
I am also very proud to have been awarded lens of the day for
Auditory Processing Disorder TWICE!
And then I got it for Twelve ways to have a green & ethical Christmas!
Lensmaster aj2008, aka AJ , has been a member since July 10 2008, has rated 1,991 lenses, favorited 403, and has created 52 lenses from scratch. AJ donates their royalties to Save the Children. This member's top-ranked page is "Bullying At Primary School". See all my lenses
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by aj2008
Queen Elizabeth II is the second longest reigning monarch of the UK.
As I have made a lens about her son's 60th birthday, I thought I had better ma... (more)
As I have made a lens about her son's 60th birthday, I thought I had better ma... (more)
