The Queen of England, Elizabeth II, just celebrated her Diamond Jubilee-60 years on the throne as Queen!! Quite impressive as Queen Victoria's was 63 years and seven months and the longest of any female monarch. As an American I find the idea of having a Queen or King on a throne fascinating since we don't have that here, but also I find the history interesting as well.
I wanted to learn more about her and get a better insight into her life as the Queen of England so I asked one of my best friends, Nick, who lives in England to send me a magazine. I was elated when I saw the magazine he sent me-omg it was more like a large booklet with oodles of amazing photos of the Queen's life and history. I read every word from front to back and now I want to share with you some of the photos and a bit of history on the Queen of England. Because no matter how you feel about a country having a monarch or the politics involved you have to admit that it utterly awe-inspiring to have a woman in a position of power for 60 years and be a success!
Elizabeth II became Queen for two reasons-because King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson (a commoner and divorcee) and because her father, King George VI (Prince Albert-King Edward's brother) died from a long struggle with illness in 1952. If those two events did not occur she would have never become Queen. Prince Charles was once asked if he was prepared to be King of England and he said that does not cross his mind often because that means that he loses a parent-his mother. I believe those of us who watch from the sidelines forget that-to be placed in such a positive of power means that once loses a loved one.
A young Elizabeth with her sister Margaret and mother Elizabeth.
Teenage Elizabeth did her best to aid in the war effort
by learning how to be a driver and mechanic.
It is said that when Elizabeth was thirteen years old she met Prince Philip and fell in love.
The corresponded through letters for years and in 1947 they were married. By 1948 they
welcome their first of four children, a son named Charles Philip Arthur George.
Mother and Son-I must admit this photo is adorable!
Elizabeth and Philip had four children-Charles (1948),
Anne (1950), Andrew (1959), and Edward (1963).
Princess Diana with Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Prince Charles
and Prince Philip with her first son, William Arthur Philip Louis in 1982.
Two years later Prince Henry Charles Albert David was born.
Prince William is second in line to the throne and Harry the third in line.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have been married for 65 years!
The Queens grandson, Prince William and his bride Kate-2011
Queen Elizabeth is a wife, mother of four, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of two. As a woman and mother myself, I cannot help but feel impressed, proud, and happy for another woman to have those kinds of accomplishments. Now to add that she has been a reigning Queen for 60 years is an accomplishment very few women get a chance to do in their lifetimes.
I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into English royalty and into the amazing life of Queen Elizabeth II.
Tune in tomorrow for a guest post by my friend Nick, who attended a Jubilee celebration. I just thought it would be nice to hear what one was like since those of us on the other side of the pond did not join in these types of celebrations. *smile*
xox
Thanks for sharing. I find queens very inspiring too, but did not know that much about Elizabeth II. Here we have queen Beatrix. Actually, what you said about succeeding the throne and a parent dying is only partially true. Here at least the queen resigns from her job, to pass it on to her oldest child. Queen Beatrix' mother Juliana has lived until a few years ago, while Beatrix has been Queen since 1980. This too is a possibility for Elizabeth, but maybe she's been queen for so long, she's unable to do so, emotionally.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, dear Bunny, I've been inspired by Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret's earlier styles many times, but am thinking I should pick one of their looks that really catches my eye and try to copy sometimes soon as a subtle homage to all of these awesome Jubilee celebrations going on.
ReplyDeleteOodles of hugs!!!
♥ Jessica