The Queen 1926 2022

QUEEN ELIZABETH II 1926-2022

Her Majesty admires a noble steed as she reviews The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park, London, on their 70th anniversary on October 19, 2017. The KTRHA was formed on the wishes of His Majesty King George VI in October 1947. Commonly known as the Gunners, The Royal Artillery provides firepower to the British Army. Equipped with 13-pounder field guns dating from the First World War, the troop provides ceremonial salutes for royal occasions and state functions. Ray Tang/ Zuma Press/PA Images

EDITOR:

Jack Harrison

REVISEDIN 2022 BY:

Pauline Hawkins

PRODUCTION EDITOR:

Dan Sharp

DESIGNER: Craig Lamb

COVER DESIGN: Darren Hendley

REPROGRAPHICS:

Paul Fincham and Jonathan Schofield

PUBLISHER: Steve O’Hara

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR:

Dan Savage

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR:

Nigel Hole

MARKETING MANAGER: Charlotte Park

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PRINTEDBY:

Warners Midlands, Bourne, Lincolnshire

ISBN:

978-1-911703-14-3

PUBLISHEDBY:

Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR. Tel: 01507 529529

COPYRIGHT:

Mortons Media Group Ltd, 2022. Images are courtesy of Alamy unless otherwise specified, www.alamy.com A selection of images used in this publication are published under a Creative Commons Licence. They are credited and marked *. All other images used exist in the public domain and/or there are no known copyright restrictions.

All rights reserved.

Thank you, Your Majesty

Front main image: The Queen attends a reception for 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on July 3, 2018.

Jane Barlow/PA Archive/PA Images

Back:The Queen and the Prince of Wales during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London on Monday, October 14, 2019.

Victoria

Wire

Jones/PA

The longest-reigning monarch in British history leaves behind a legacy that will never be surpassed.

Her death on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the age of 96 came as a shock to a nation that in the summer had celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, and had witnessed the monarch greeting Britain’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral only two days beforehand.

As the nation mourns the passing of an irreplaceable figurehead, this publication celebrates her life with a wealth of delightful images, from her earliest days to her role as one of the world’s most inspirational, influential and well-known women… Queen Elizabeth II.

The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marks not just the end of a remarkable life – a life like no other – but the end of an era. Her reign lasted longer than that of any previous British monarch, and most of her subjects have never known any other head of state.

For the last seven decades she worked tirelessly as Queen of her Realm and Head of the Commonwealth, performing her royal duties at home and abroad. Her likeness appeared on every British coin and note in circulation – ensuring her place in the daily life of every one of her subjects.

Just three months after the nation united to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, in June 2022, the nation and the Commonwealth were united in mourning her loss.

During her seven decades of service the Queen was a remarkable and constant presence, guiding and leading… a voice of calm in an increasingly turbulent and chaotic world facing climate and energy crises, tackling a global pandemic and witnessing frequent political upheaval.

Alongside her parents, the young princess stood strong in the face of hostility as war raged across Europe from 1939 to 1945. With the passing of her father King George VI in 1952, Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary became Queen at the age of just 25.

Preface

At that time she was already married to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and the couple went on to have four children with the eldest, Charles – now King Charles III – being born in November 1948.

The Duke’s death in April 2021 just three months before his 100th birthday left a gaping hole in Her Majesty’s world, made worse by coronavirus restrictions that forced her to mourn alone in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The world’s collective heart broke to see her, dressed in black and wearing a black face covering, unable to share her grief with family due to Covid rules. Yet again, she set an example to all, saying goodbye to her beloved Philip while keeping her own counsel behind her mask.

From coronation to coronavirus pandemic, the Queen pointed the way – a beacon of hope in a world sometimes plunged into darkness and despair by events both planned and unforeseen.

Jack Harrison, who compiled and edited The Queen at 90, upon which this publication is based, wrote in his original preface: “Whichever image of the Queen seems most familiar to us, it’s likely that our perception will have been shaped by the abundance of photographs and film that exists of her. Cameras have followed Her Majesty since 1926, capturing every moment of her life in public. And what a remarkable life it has been.

“Think of any milestone moment in British – and often world – history in the last 90 years and the Queen has been there; many times at the forefront as a leader and many times as the subject of the story. The world is a very different place today to how it was in 1926 –advancements in technology, cultural shifts, political evolution and revolution; these are just some of the seismic changes to have occurred. Yet in a time when the only certainty is that nothing is certain, the Queen has remained a beacon of stability, recognised and respected by many across the globe.”

That beacon may have been extinguished, but its embers will remain alight for many years to come. With fondness the Queen is remembered in these pages, and her life is recounted in the many images that follow.

A photograph of the Queen’s father, King George VI, takes pride of place on her desk as she addresses the nation and the Commonwealth on the 75th anniversary of VE Day from Windsor Castle on May 8, 2020. David Niviere/ Abacapress.com

Wearing a gown designed by Norman Hartnell, Queen Elizabeth II poses for cameras the day after her Coronation, June 3, 1953.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 | 10-23

Remembering A Remarkable Royal

CHAPTER 2 | 24-31

A Reign Like No Other

CHAPTER 3 | 32-37

A Princess Is Born

CHAPTER 4 | 38-44

The 1930s

CHAPTER 5 | 45-51

The 1940s

CHAPTER 6 | 52-59

The Queen and Prince Philip

CHAPTER 7 | 60-66

The 1950s

CHAPTER 8 | 67-73

The 1960s

CHAPTER 9 | 74-82

The Queen and the Commonwealth

CHAPTER 10 | 83-90

The 1970s

CHAPTER 11 | 91-98

The 1980s

CHAPTER 12 | 99-104

The Queen and the Royal Family

CHAPTER 13 | 105-112

The 1990s

CHAPTER 14 | 113-121

The 2000s

CHAPTER 15 | 122-130

The Queen’s 90th Year

Tributes to the queen

The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.

King Charles III

There is obvious enjoyment on the Queen’s face as Olive the duck leads the entourage at Gorgie City Farm in Edinburgh on July 4, 2019.

Keeper Maia Gordon walks alongside Her Majesty during the visit. Andrew Milligan/

Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. In the difficult days ahead, we will come together with our friends across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of service. It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy. God save the King.

Liz Truss, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

This is our country’s saddest day. In the hearts of every one of us there is an ache at the passing of our Queen, a deep and personal sense of loss – far more intense, perhaps, than we expected. In these first grim moments since the news, I know that millions and millions of people have been pausing whatever they have been doing, to think about Queen Elizabeth, about the bright and shining light that has finally gone out. She seemed so timeless and so wonderful that I am afraid we had come to believe, like children, that she would just go on and on. Wave after wave of grief is rolling across the world, from Balmoral – where our thoughts are with all the Royal Family – and breaking far beyond this country and throughout that great Commonwealth of nations that she so cherished and which cherished her in return.

Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era. In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her.

An enduring admiration for Queen Elizabeth II united people across the Commonwealth. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity.

She was the first British monarch to whom all people around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection – whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service.

Supported by her beloved Prince Philip for 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She endured the dangers and deprivations of a world war alongside the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic to look to better days ahead.

Queen Elizabeth II was a statewoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special.

Joe Biden, US President

Wearing a powder blue outfit with black accessories, the Queen contrasts sharply with the dark green, red and white of the Balaklava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland as she inspects them at the gates to Balmoral while taking up summer residence at the castle on August 6, 2019. Andrew Milligan/PA Archive/PA Images

QUEEN ELIZABETH II 1926-2022

QUEEN ELIZABETH II 1926-2022

Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief. Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world. However, she will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her country and her unwavering devotion to her fellow countrymen and women. Melania and I will always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty's generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humour. What a grand and beautiful lady she was—there was nobody like her! Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the great people of the United Kingdom as you honour her most meaningful life and exceptional service to the people. May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts, and may God hold her and Prince Philip in abiding care.

Donald Trump, former US President

national life, as well as the lives of so many nations around the world, and especially in the Commonwealth. It was my great privilege to meet Her Late Majesty on many occasions. Her clarity of thinking, capacity for careful listening, inquiring mind, humour, remarkable memory and extraordinary kindness invariably left me conscious of the blessing that she has been to us all. In my prayers at this time I also give thanks for the marriage of The Late Queen and His Late Royal Highness Prince Philip. Theirs was an inspirational example of Christian marriage – rooted in friendship, nourished by shared faith, and turned outwards in service to others. May Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II rest in peace and rise in glory.

Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury

The Queen enjoys the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar on September 2, 2017.

Andrew Milligan/ PA Archive/PA Images

As we grieve together, we know that, in losing our beloved Queen, we have lost the person whose steadfast loyalty, service and humility has helped us make sense of who we are through decades of extraordinary change in our world, nation and society. As deep as our grief runs, even deeper is our gratitude for Her Late Majesty’s extraordinary dedication to the United Kingdom, her Realms and the Commonwealth. Through times of war and hardship, through seasons of upheaval and change, and through moments of joy and celebration, we have been sustained by Her Late Majesty’s faith in what and who we are called to be. The Late Queen leaves behind a truly extraordinary legacy: one that is found in almost every corner of our

I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant steadying presence as our head of state for more than 70 years. She has given her whole life selflessly to the people of the UK & the Commonwealth. To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend. I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce. I will miss her more than words can express.

Sarah Ferguson

She had an incredible smile that lit up the room. It doesn’t matter how many times you meet her, it’s always special. I think I was always struck by her interest and how involved she was in some of the projects that we delivered in her name. And you just know the Queen would have had a question for you and listened intently to your answer. I think her personal touch is what most of us will be reflecting on.

Dr Linda Yueh, executive chairwoman, Royal Commonwealth Society

It is with profound sadness that we at Girlguiding have learned this evening of the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. Our deepest sympathies are with the Royal Family at this very sad time. Her Majesty The Queen had a long association with Girlguiding throughout her life. She first joined Guides in 1937 at the age of 11, alongside her sister Princess Margaret, who joined Brownies. As a member of the 1st Buckingham Palace Guides, she took part in camping trips and earnt badges in swimming, first aid, interpreting and horse riding. In 1953, the year she succeeded to the throne, Her Majesty the Queen became Girlguiding’s Patron. Over the years thousands of girls and young women across the UK and overseas have worked hard to achieve their Queen’s Guide Award, the highest award available in guiding. Throughout her life, The Queen embodied the spirit of guiding. Every day she kept her promise to do her best, live according to her beliefs, and to serve people. Her dedication and service as the longest-reigning monarch has inspired all girls and young women in guiding to serve their communities across the UK and beyond, a legacy our members will continue to uphold in her honour.

Angela Salt OBE, CEO of Girlguiding, Catherine Irwin MBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Amanda Medler MBE, Chief Guide

As the Duke of Edinburgh approached his 99th birthday, the couple posed for a photograph in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle on June 1, 2020. They celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in November 2020.

Steve Parsons/PA Wire/PA Images

Remembering a remarkable royal

Decades of impeccable service defined the life of Britain’s longest-serving monarch, and she will be remembered with love and respect for her constant, comforting presence in times of crisis, adversity and hardship.

She was there for the happy times too, not only with her family but with the British people, the Commonwealth and the wider world; not least during Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebration in the summer of 2022, just three months before her passing.

In what turned out to be a glorious summer of sunshine, the celebration of the Queen’s 70th year as British monarch – an unrivalled achievement, and one likely never to be repeated – was a triumph.

Despite not having her beloved husband by her side, the Queen threw herself into the celebrations with enthusiasm, and the mood of the nation was uplifted by the sight of her on the balcony at Buckingham Palace with her family as the Jubilee Pageant drew to a close.

Her mobility and health issues had meant she was unable to attend some of the events that she had hoped to enjoy. But it was apparent that, given the sense of humour for which she is renowned, her appearance with Paddington Bear – who could forget the marmalade sandwich hidden in Her Majesty’s handbag? – had entertained the Queen as much as it did everyone watching.

In a letter to the nation, she said: “When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee.

“While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.

“I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.

“I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations.”

From the moment she acceded to the throne, Queen Elizabeth II was determined to set a shining example, to lead from the front and to challenge and conquer adversity with energy and composure.

She was resolute when, having addressed the nation twice in 2020 – firstly about coronavirus and a few weeks later in relation to the VE Day 75th anniversary commemoration – she went on to galvanise the population with her Christmas Day message, offering hope by reassuring people spending the festive period without friends or family that they were not alone.

In her televised speech, she said: “Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer. In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit.”

Her 95th birthday celebrations in 2021 included the striking of a new £5 commemorative coin – a denomination usually reserved for special royal occasions. The coin features the royal cypher ‘EIIR’, and the words ‘My heart and my devotion’, referencing part of her 1957 Christmas broadcast.

During that speech the Queen said: “In the old days the monarch led his soldiers on the battlefield and his leadership at all times was close and personal. Today things are very different. I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice, but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations.”

She remained, devoted and steadfast, to the end.

The commemorative new £5 coin issued by the Royal Mint to celebrate Her Majesty’s 95th birthday in 2021.

Pearls and pastel shades were selected for this state visit to Paris on June 7, 2014.

Nicolas Briquet/ Abacapress.com/ PA Images

Two of the final images of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The monarch gives a broad, welcoming smile as she waits in the Drawing Room before receiving Liz Truss for an audience at Balmoral, Scotland, where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

The Queen prepares to shake the hand of Liz Truss, who after her victory in the Conservative Party leadership race had travelled by air to Balmoral. Jane Barlow/Alamy