Remembering Lilibet

The Life and Legacy of Britain’s Longest-serving Monarch

‘London Bridge has fallen…’ these words mark the end of an era. But Queen Elizabeth II,
who’s reign lasted from the industrial age to the internet age, has weathered more storms than
the iconic landmark for which she was code-named after. As stated in tributes for her, only a
few have known a world without Her Majesty. She has spent seven remarkable decades on
the throne and helped steer Britain through the loss of an empire and vast cultural and
political transformations, while becoming arguably the most famous woman in the world
along the way.

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born into the royal family of Windsor on April 21,
1926, but there was little hope of her ever wearing the crown. She was third in line, to the
throne but after a series of unfortunate events and her father’s death, she became monarch on
the 6th of February 1952. At the time she was away on a safari in Kenya, perched on a tree,
watching the rhinoceros having a drink from the pool. But she adopted the mantle of duty and
responsibility overnight, along with the hefty title of “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and
Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith” at the age of 25. The
coronation ceremony was held on the 2 nd of June 1953, with 27 million people in the UK
watching it broadcasted live on television.

Queen Elizabeth was much more than a mere figurehead and it would take the span of a few
books to document all the important milestones of her life and reign. She has worked with 15
British prime ministers and met with every U.S president during her time as queen, except for
Lyndon Johnson. She has shaken the hands of countless dignitaries to huge stars…from
Marilyn Monroe to Michelle Obama.

As we look back in retrospection, it’s clear that the queen faced multiple challenges in
keeping the monarchy and emerged victorious with a demure smile, always in a brightly
coloured coat with handbag and hat to match…a constant star of comfort and continuity. One
of the most monumental occasions of her reign include the first visit to the Federal Republic
of Germany by a British royal since 1913, marking the 20-year anniversary of the end of the
World War II. Even though she was conservative, she spurned centuries of royal tradition and
paved way for new ones, when she took the first ‘walkabout’ in 1970 during a tour of
Australia and New Zealand. In 1986, Queen Elizabeth became the first British Monarch to
visit China, where she toured the Great Wall. She had to power through great disasters
including the mining tragedy in Wales and the infamous death of Princess Diana, the
Peoples’ Princess. Marking 70 years of her ascent to the throne, in February 2022, the queen
celebrated her Platinum Jubilee accompanied by four generations of heirs and her usual
constant smile.

Queen Elizabeth, passed away on the 8th of September 2022, at the age of 96, mourned by
millions across the globe, from her loyal subjects to citizens of the anti-monarchy. But she
was a symbol of grace and timelessness, her legacy will continue to live on. And in these
unprecedented times, we would do well to remember Her Majesty’s wise words.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

Penned by: Rtr. Kushlani Nagahawatta