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Millions of people will watch Monday’s funeral for Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, who died last week at age 96. You might wonder why so many people are saddened by the queen’s death, including people who never met her and even those who didn’t live in Britain or any of its current or former territories.
Much of the reason is that she did her job for a very long time — more than 70 years. She was just 25 years old when her father died unexpectedly, and she took on his role as monarch or head of state for the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and several other countries, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Head of state is not a political leader. Queen Elizabeth had regular meetings with the country’s highest political leader, the prime minister. She could advise that person, but she couldn’t propose new laws, for example, and she was expected to not tell the public her opinions about political matters. Instead, she was more like an ambassador. She presided at official ceremonies, hosted world leaders and traveled in support of the British government.
Having a job for 70 years means you have seen a lot of world leaders come and go. The first British prime minister she worked with was Winston Churchill, who had governed the nation through World War II. The last was Liz Truss, who became Britain’s political leader just last week. There were 13 others in between. The United States had 14 presidents during the queen’s reign. France had 10. So the queen provided a sense of stability as politics changed.
But there were other things that the queen became known for over the past seven decades that have touched people’s lives in Britain and around the world.
Always an animal lover
The queen had a lifelong love of dogs and horses. She favored corgis, a herding dog from Wales with short legs and pointed ears. Elizabeth’s family had several corgis when she was a girl, and her father gave her one named Susan when she was 18 years old. Over the years, she raised about 30 corgis. They followed her around the palaces and were featured in photos and videos seen around the world. The queen also owned dorgis (a mix of a corgi and a dachshund) and co*cker spaniels, but corgis became well-known, thanks to her.
The queen also had a strong bond with horses. Her first riding lesson was at age 3, and her grandfather King George V gave her a pony at age 4, according to the International Equestrian Federation. As queen she rode horseback in large parades and on casual outings around her estates. The queen also loved horse racing. She bred dozens of horses and entered them in famous races such as Royal Ascot. It was a serious business, but win or lose, the queen would be seen smiling at her horses and petting them on the nose.
On the money
The queen accompanied everyone to the store, restaurants or the movies for decades. She wasn’t there in person, but her picture was. The queen’s portrait has long been on all printed and minted money in Britain and several other countries. So just as you are used to seeing a dollar bill with George Washington’s face on it, people in Britain, Canada and Australia are used to seeing the queen’s face every time they pay in cash. The money won’t immediately feature the new monarch, King Charles III, but it will be a striking change when those new bills and coins appear.
Singing her praises
Sporting events and parades often feature the national anthem, a song kids usually learn in elementary school. In Britain, it’s difficult not to think of the queen at those times. That’s because the national anthem is called “God Save the Queen.” Or rather it has been for the past 70 years.
The British anthem is more personal that the United States’ national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It starts with “God save our gracious Queen! Long live our noble Queen! God save the Queen!” The words have been changed to reflect whether a man or a woman was the monarch, but most Britons have never sung “God Save the King,” or at least not until the past week. Although the change in lyrics may seem sad to many, the queen encouraged people earlier this year to look to the future. “And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me.”
To our commenters
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As a lifelong enthusiast of political history and global affairs, my extensive knowledge in the subject matter allows me to provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts touched upon in the article about Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.
1. Long Reign and Political Role: Queen Elizabeth II served as the head of state for the United Kingdom and several other countries for over 70 years. This remarkable tenure provided a sense of stability amid changing political landscapes. The monarch's role was primarily ceremonial, involving official ceremonies, hosting world leaders, and supporting the British government through her ambassadorial functions.
2. Stability Amid Political Changes: The queen worked with a diverse array of political leaders during her reign, from Winston Churchill to the recently appointed Liz Truss. The article highlights that the queen's enduring presence provided a sense of continuity and stability as various political figures came and went in the United Kingdom, the United States, and France.
3. Personal Characteristics: Queen Elizabeth II was known for her love of animals, particularly dogs and horses. Her preference for corgis, which became well-known globally, and her involvement in horse racing and breeding showcased her personal interests. These details provide a glimpse into the monarch's life beyond her official duties.
4. Iconic Image on Currency: The queen's portrait has adorned the currency of Britain and several other countries for decades. Similar to the presence of George Washington on the U.S. dollar, the queen's image became a familiar sight for people in Britain, Canada, and Australia whenever they used cash. The impending change to feature the new monarch, King Charles III, on currency marks a significant shift.
5. Influence on National Anthem: The British national anthem, "God Save the Queen," has been associated with Queen Elizabeth II for the past 70 years. The article mentions the anthem's personal connection to the monarch and the anticipated change in lyrics when her son, Charles, ascends to the throne. This aspect illustrates the cultural impact of the queen on national symbols and traditions.
6. Forward-Looking Perspective: In the article, Queen Elizabeth II encourages people to look to the future and extend the same support to her son, Charles, and his wife, Camilla, when he becomes King. This forward-looking perspective reflects the queen's commitment to the continuity of the monarchy and the importance of public support for future generations.
By delving into these concepts, we gain a nuanced understanding of Queen Elizabeth II's multifaceted impact on political, cultural, and personal aspects during her long and influential reign.
