Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled the United Kingdom for seven decades, was such a longstanding institution that it’s easy to forget she wasn’t supposed to have become queen at all.
Born in 1926, Elizabeth was the daughter of King George V’s second son, and had little expectation of succeeding to the throne until her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936 to marry the divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. After the death of her father, King George VI, 25-year-old Elizabeth was called upon to assume the throne, beginning a momentous reign. In February 2022, the United Kingdom staged a series of celebrations for the queen’s Platinum Jubilee—marking 70 years of her service to the British Commonwealth
Queen Elizabeth II, who died at age 96, proved consistent and enduring. In April 2021, she lost her husband of 73 years, Prince Phillip, when he died at age 99. In February 2022, the Queen contracted the coronavirus, which she later said left her “very tired and exhausted.” She installed her 15th prime minister. Liz Truss, just two days before her death.
I – Word Understanding
Abdicated – (monarchy) to step down from the throne
Reign – the time during which a king/queen/emperor is in power
Platinum Jubilee – 70th anniversary
II – Have Your Say
1, What can you say about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II?
2, What can you say about the British Monarchy / Royal family?
3, Can you remember? Key Moments in Queen Elizabeth II’s reign:
a, 1953 June 2 The Coronation – the first to be broadcast live on TV
b, 1965 First state visit to Germany – symbolizing reconciliation, 20 years after the end of WWII
c, 1970 First Walkout – she went against centuries of royal tradition when she took a casual stroll to greet crowds of people in person, rather than wave to them from a protected distance.
d, 1981 Prince Charles’ wedding to Lady Diana Spencer
e, 1986 First Visit to China – the first British monarch to visit mainland China
f, 1992 “Annus Horribilis” (a horrible year) – Prince Charles and Princess Diana separated, Prince Andrew and wife separated, Anne and husband divorced, a fire broke out in Windsor Castle destroying more than100 rooms.
g, 1997 Princess Diana’s death – public criticism of the royal family grew intense following the divorce and death of Princess Diana
h, 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
i, 2021 Prince Phillip’s death
j, 2022 Platinum Jubilee
