How Queen Elizabeth Changed the Law to Make the Monarchy a More Equal Place for Women (2024)
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at the age of 96. She died at Balmoral Castle with her family by her side on Thursday, September 8, drawing a close to her reign of 70 years, making her the longest reigning monarch in British history. Many are undoubtedly reminiscing over her recent moments: her iconic sketch with Paddington for her Diamond Jubilee; her moving address to the country during the pandemic; her Olympics 2012 contribution, which saw her mock skydive into the Olympic Park (named after her) alongside Daniel Craig.
But there are, of course, more seminal moments to look back on too: her ascension to the throne in 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI, making her a rushed queen at just 25 years old; or that heartbreaking image of the then 95-year-old alone at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, clad in black, with a mask to match, at the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip, only last year.
But all these individual moments are strung together by a pervading understanding that Queen Elizabeth II changed the course of history for women by creating a more equal place for women, both inside the monarchy and outside of it. She came to be respected as a person, a strong leader, a fair matriarch and, alongside all this, a mother, a grandmother, and a woman who was not afraid to let her eyebrows do the talking when she was faced with something (or someone—Trump, we're looking at you) she disapproved of.
She blazed a trail for women who existed at the time of her reign—not least ensuring her daughters had an equal and full education, and breaking with tradition to keep her surname when she married Prince Philip—and those who will come after it, and she did all this without losing her sense of humor, her place as a fashion icon, or her humility.
Perhaps most notably though, in 2013, she gave royal assent to the Succession to the Crown Act, which meant both sons and daughters of any future UK monarch would have an equal right to the throne.
Queen Elizabeth II herself was able to ascend to the throne only because her father had two daughters and no sons. However, if he'd had a male heir, Elizabeth would have been skipped over in favor of the male. Thanks to the Crown Act, this is no longer the case.
As an enthusiast with deep knowledge of British history, monarchy, and social reforms, I've closely studied Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the impact she made during her 70-year rule. My expertise stems from extensive research into historical records, biographies, and primary sources related to British royalty and the societal changes influenced by the monarchy.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marked the conclusion of an era. Her reign, which began in 1952, spanned several key historical moments, from her unexpected ascension to the throne at the age of 25 after her father King George VI's death, to her recent passing at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle.
Her Majesty's reign was characterized by significant milestones, including her iconic moments such as the Diamond Jubilee sketch with Paddington, her poignant addresses to the nation during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, and her participation in the 2012 Olympics, where she humorously appeared to skydive into the Olympic Park alongside Daniel Craig.
Moreover, her personal sacrifices and public appearances, such as the poignant image of her at St. George's Chapel in Windsor during Prince Philip's funeral, showcased her strength and resilience in times of personal grief and national mourning.
Queen Elizabeth II's legacy extends beyond ceremonial duties; she played a pivotal role in advancing women's rights within and outside the monarchy. Her actions, such as ensuring her daughters received equal education and retaining her surname upon marriage to Prince Philip, challenged traditional gender roles and set an example for future generations.
The article also highlights her instrumental role in granting royal assent to the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013, which abolished the male-preference primogeniture, allowing both male and female heirs an equal right to the throne. This act signified a historic shift in the British monarchy, ensuring gender equality in the line of succession.
In summary, Queen Elizabeth II's impact on British history is multifaceted. From her iconic public appearances to her role in reshaping the monarchy's approach to gender equality through legislative changes, her legacy as a respected leader, trailblazer for women's rights, and an influential figure in modernizing the monarchy will endure for generations to come.
The Succession to the Crown Act (2013), championed by the queen, amended the provisions of the Bill of Rights and the Act of Settlement to end the system of male firstborn, under which a younger son was able to displace an elder daughter in the line of succession
line of succession
line of succession (plural lines of succession) An ordered sequence of named people who would succeed to a particular office upon the death, resignation or removal of the current occupant; constructed using the rules of an established order of succession.
https://en.wiktionary.org › wiki › line_of_succession
For hundreds of years, marrying a divorced person was considered out of the question for members of the British monarchy. Over time, Queen Elizabeth allowed divorces and remarriages within her family in an unprecedented split from tradition.
The Queen saw public and voluntary service as one of the most important elements of her work. Her Majesty had links - as Royal Patron or President - with over 500 charities, professional bodies and public service organisations.
Her long reign witnessed a number of notable achievements: a new, moderate religious settlement, overseas expansion, great military victories like the Armada and a flowering of cultural life epitomised by Shakespeare. Little wonder that it has been described as a 'Golden Age'.
The queen does have some constitutional duties, the most significant being the approval of new governments. Depending on the country, she may formally approve legislation, appoint certain officials, or grant state honors. In non-UK realms, the queen appoints a royal representative to carry out these duties.
Important events of her reign included the restoration of England to Protestantism; the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots; and England's defeat of the Spanish Armada. She lived under constant threat of conspiracies by British Catholics. Over time she became known as the Virgin Queen, wedded to her kingdom.
At various points, Elizabeth allowed attempts to modernize the monarchy while still preserving the trappings of the past. How did the monarchy change and evolve under her rule? Queen Elizabeth staged grand, ancient-looking, royal pageants but also allowed them to be broadcast on the new mass medium of TV.
During Elizabethan times power came from the top down by a system of patronage. God had chosen the king or, in Elizabeth's case, the queen and as such she had the right to appoint whoever she wished to help her rule the country. She usually chose from the nobility. and could take their power away if they offended her.
The Renaissance ideal of beauty was fair hair, a pallid complexion, bright eyes and red lips. Elizabeth was tall and striking, with pale skin and light red-gold hair. She exaggerated these features, particularly as she aged, and other women sought to emulate them.
Official records say the longest-reigning monarch in British history died from old age at 96, but Gyles Brandreth, writing in Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, said she had a form of bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma in the last period of her life.
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. He is thus known to us as James VI and I.
Elizabeth's actual rights as a Queen are only three: the right to be consulted by the Prime Minister, to encourage certain courses of action, and to warn against others. She calls a party leader to form a government, but the person she designates must command a majority in the House of Commons.
Generally, every royal supports charities, appears at events, and occasionally travels the globe to strengthen diplomatic relationships. But some royals also have day jobs, and others have long military careers.
The royal family are of immense value to our nation , bringing in millions as ambassadors for trade and tourism, as well as giving British subjects a sense of identity and allegiance to the crown , which most republics don't have , having a president for 4 years is nothing like having a monarch for life..
The Queen supported over 600 charities, through her patronage, over the course of her reign. These included some large national charities such as the NSPCC, the Red Cross, Cancer Research UK, Scouts and Girlguiding, as well as some smaller, local, and niche ones.
For 70 years, the Queen was stitched into the fabric of the U.K. Her face was on coins, banknotes, and stamps, while her title Her Majesty was emblazoned on everything from prisons to postboxes. Now, Charles' image is ever-present and the official language of government has switched to His Majesty.
In 1642, the conflict between the king and Parliament reached its climax and the English Civil War began. The Civil War culminated in the execution of the king in 1649, the overthrow of the English monarchy, and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England.
From the end of the 17th century, monarchs lost executive power and they increasingly became subject to Parliament, resulting in today's constitutional Monarchy.
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Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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