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Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year Royal Reign
Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t supposed to become queen at all and yet, 70 something years later, it has been a momentous reign with Her Majesty having lived through many historic events. We list some of these key moments below.
The Queen’s Coronation, June 2 1953
Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation was held in Westminster Abbey, the first to be broadcasted live on television, with over 30M television viewers and radio listeners. Some 3 million were present outside the Abbey as the Queen preceded back to Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty’s dress designed by Norman Hartnell will be on display this summer at Windsor Castle.
The Commonwealth, 1953
In 1953 and 1953, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Phillip embarked on a six-month tour around the world. She became the first Monarch to visit the nations of Australia. She commonly toured the world throughout her reign and is the most widely travelled head of state in the world.
First state visit to Germany, 1965
The 60s and 70s marked decades of political turmoil and social changes. During these times the Queen became very occupied with diplomatic duties, the first British Royal to visit the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) since 1913, marking the 20 year anniversary of the end of World War II. The visit between the two states signified a reconciliation of the relationship and Germany’s re-emergence as a world power.
Mining Disaster in Wales, 1966
The tragedy in Aberfan, Wales became one of the United Kingdom’s worst mining disasters, claiming the lives of 144 people, mostly children in their school classrooms. The Queen delayed a visit to the site so as to not distract from rescue and recovery efforts, but quickly came to regret this decision.
First Royal Walkabout, 1970
In 1970, Her Majesty The Queen changed that when she decided she wanted to say hello to the crowds. From there, the walkabout was born.
The European Union, 1973
Britain joined the European Economic Community in 1973, which later became the European Union (EU) in 1992.
Silver Jubilee, 1977
The Queen’s Silver Jubilee marked the 25th anniversary of her accession to the throne, where the theme of the Jubilee was the ‘unity of the nation’.
Visit to China, 1986
October 12-18, 1986 saw Queen Elizabeth II become the first British monarch to visit China. One of the most important tours she had ever undertaken, it was seen as a critical piece of diplomacy, coming soon after testing negotiations between the UK and PRC over the return of Hong Kong.
Golden Jubilee, 2002
The Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II was the international celebration held in 2002 marking the 50th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the thrones of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms on 6 February 1952.
Visit to the Republic of Ireland, 2011
Following the peace process in Northern Ireland, the Queen was invited by Irish President Mary McAleese and became the first British Monarch in 100 years to visit the Republic of Ireland, forging the path for a renewed relationship.
Diamond Jubilee, 2012
Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897 with a grand Diamond Jubilee procession through London which included Royalty and troops from all over the Empire.
Her Majesty receives a BAFTA, 2013
The Queen was awarded with an honorary BAFTA in recognition of lifetime support of British Film and Television.
The Queen welcomes a new great-grandson, 2013
In July 2013, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first child Prince George.
London Fashion Week, 2018
Her Majesty sits front row at the London Fashion Week. The Inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for Design was awarded to Richard Quinn after the show.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s wedding, 2018
Through Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, there has been no event that symbolised the modernisation of the Monarchy like that of Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle.
Death of Prince Phillip, 2021
On April 9, 2021 Queen Elizabeth said goodbye to her husband of 73 years, who died at the age of 99.