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.

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

Nicolas Briquet/ Abacapress.com/ PA Images