"In the 16th century, Elizabeth I refused to allow anyone except her innermost circle to wear purple" (Source: Reuters)
British Vogue has marked the passing away of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II with a special cover in royal purple for their November issue. The first issue to go to print since the Queen’s death on September 8 features no “adornment” and simply has “Her Majesty The Queen” written above the years “1926-2022”.
In its 106-year-long history, Vogue has commemorated the loss of three British monarchs — George V, George VI and now Elizabeth II. According to the magazine, the November 2022 issue “reflects not only the continuity of her line with the accession of King Charles III, but also the much-mourned absence of Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign”.
Editor-in-chief Edward Enninful called this issue “a farewell from Vogue“. He added, “More than that, it is a thank you”.
“A constant thread through our collective lives, throughout her 70-year reign she served not only her mission but as an almost touchable link to the fabric of history itself. Now she has gone and with her so many of our own memories – of our childhoods, of our parents and their childhoods – seem to have drifted a little further into the mist,” he reflected on the Queen’s death.
Sharing the significance behind the royal purple hue, Vogue mentioned that the colour has been associated with royalty since ancient times, with natural purple dye historically among the most expensive. “In the 16th century, Elizabeth I refused to allow anyone except her innermost circle to wear purple, while Elizabeth II made her way through Westminster Abbey during her Coronation in a Robe of Estate composed of more than 22 metres of purple velvet.”
“See, too, the Imperial State Crown that rested on Her Majesty’s coffin during her funeral, which features a purple cap lined with ermine,” it noted.
The tradition of the magazine’s purple tribute covers began with a special cover commemorating the death of King George V in the February 1936 issue, which read: “This opening page of Vogue, which is accustomed to reflect the events of our special sphere, must now enlarge its scope to reflect the event which has blotted out all others in any sphere – the death of His Majesty King George.”
In the issue, Vogue has also featured a special collection of personal tributes from Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Julie Andrews, and Sadiq Khan, among others.
“I first met the Queen when I was at primary school and she visited Croydon. I have her a poesy and curtsied, but couldn’t really concentrate on the moment as I had borrowed my dad’s camera and I thought I had broken it. I was scared I was going to get in trouble. Then, around 20 years later, I was invited to the palace. I wore a royal-blue outfit and so did the queen! My distinct memory of that occasion is ‘What a fashion faux pas’. The Queen was so gracious. It was such an honour to meet her. I always have and always will be in awe of her,” Kate Moss reminisced.
Remembering the Queen, Naomi Campbell wrote, “It was such an honour being chosen as Queen’s Commonwealth Trust’s global ambassador, and in my role this past year with them nothing has been more special than to have the work of young leaders recognised and their experiences shared. By telling these stories of strength, we are able to come together more as a nation against adversity and ensure we support each other around the globe.”
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FAQs
British Vogue magazine is honoring the death of Queen Elizabeth with a blank royal purple cover. The fashion magazine's November issue cover has no photos and the words "Her Majesty the Queen," along with "1926-2022." Releasing blank covers is a tradition for the magazine when a monarch dies.
What happened when Queen Elizabeth II died? ›
When the head of state died at the age of 96, bringing her 70-year reign to close, it triggered a number of changes—both large and small—in the royal family and in the nation. Not least, King Charles automatically ascended the throne after more than seven decades of waiting.
Who is the Queen of England in 2024? ›
In pictures: The British royal family in 2024. 2024 will be the first full year with King Charles and Queen Camilla on the throne. Here's a collection of photos from the lives of the UK royals.
Did Queen Elizabeth I have children? ›
Elizabeth did not marry and did not have any children.
What impact did Queen Elizabeth II have on the world? ›
As Head of the Armed Forces, Her Majesty had strong links to Naval ships, army regiments, and air squadrons both in the UK and throughout all her realms. The Queen's Patronages and charities covered a wide range of initiatives, from creating opportunities for young people, to preserving wildlife and the environment.
What caused Queen Elizabeth's sudden death? ›
Her cause of death was attributed to old age, according to a death certificate made public a few weeks after her passing.
Who became queen at 25? ›
Following the sad death of her father in 1952, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II aged just 25, and this year is celebrating 70 years on the throne - a first in British history.
Who is 63rd in line to the throne? ›
Zenouska Mowatt
The daughter of Marina Ogilvy and Paul Mowatt. She is currently 63rd in the line of succession.
Why is it Prince Consort and not King Consort? ›
In recognition of his status, a prince consort may be given a formal title, such as prince. Most monarchies do not allow the husband of a queen regnant to be titled as a king because it is perceived as a higher title than queen, however, some monarchies use the title of king consort for the role.
Did Elizabeth get pregnant by Thomas? ›
Though rumors circulated that Elizabeth, who soon took to her bed with an unspecified illness, gave birth to Thomas' child, most modern historians dismiss these whispers as unfounded speculation. Though Catherine and Elizabeth never again met in person, they managed to repair their relationship via heartfelt letters.
The Royal family name of Windsor was confirmed by The Queen after her accession in 1952.
Why is Elizabeth buried on Top Mary? ›
I think it was a practical move in that Mary I was originally in that spot, so Elizabeth's coffin could be added on top and then the tomb built over the vault. With regards to why there is no effigy for Mary I, I would think that was because Mary had died over forty years ago and had only reigned for five years.
How much is Queen Elizabeth worth? ›
Queen Elizabeth's net worth: $500 million
The queen's personal fortune stems from her ownership of art, jewels, investments and real estate, which includes Balmoral Castle in Scotland — where she passed away on Thursday — and Sandringham House in England.
Is Queen Elizabeth II the most powerful person in the world? ›
While you might think that the Queen was the most powerful ruler, this is not true. She could influence decisions in her favor, but more often than not, she refuses to exercise control over the government, as it would make the Royal family unpopular.
What happened after Queen Elizabeth I died? ›
In 1603, James VI succeeded to the English throne on the death of his cousin Elizabeth I with no direct heirs. As the new James I of England, he rode south and was to spend almost the entire rest of his life in England, based at Whitehall.
What is going to happen after the death of Queen Elizabeth? ›
Charles Will Immediately Be King
King Charles's coronation will happen months (even up to a year) after the Queen dies, but he'll be the King the second she passes.
What happened to Queen Elizabeth the first body after she died? ›
Elizabeth I is buried in Westminster Abbey. Her body was first placed in the vault of her grandfather King Henry VII. However in 1606 Elizabeth's coffin was transferred to the Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey, and placed beneath a monument to her erected by King James I.
How did Queen Elizabeth's funeral end? ›
Queen Elizabeth's Funeral Ended with a Rendition of "Sleep, Dearie, Sleep" As The Crown depicts, Queen Elizabeth wanted her personal piper to play the Gaelic lament at her funeral. At her state funeral in September 2022, it was in fact played.
"In the 16th century, Elizabeth I refused to allow anyone except her innermost circle to wear purple" (Source: Reuters)
