Remembering The Late Queen Elizabeth II On Her Birthday

Apr 21, 2023

Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary woman who achieved a lot in her 96 years prior to her passing in September 2022. She was the Queen of the United Kingdom and 15 Commonwealth realms for over 70 years, which is an incredible feat. Furthermore, her lengthy reign earned her a score of titles, including one of the longest-reigning monarchs in human history. 

She held a whole host of titles to her name. These included the longest-reigning and longest-lived British monarch, the longest-serving female head of state in history, and the world's longest-reigning current monarch, oldest living monarch, and the longest-serving and oldest current head of state. When Elizabeth became the longest-reigning British monarch in September 2015, it was actually her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria who she overtook. Elizabeth certainly had an impressive reign.

Her early life before she became the queen was just as fascinating as the long time she held the throne, and in fact, she wasn't always destined to become the ruling monarch. The queen was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, and was the eldest daughter of King George VI and Elizabeth, Duchess of York. At birth, she was not first in the line of succession, but after her uncle abdicated the throne and her father became King, she became next in line.

As a little girl, the queen was affectionately addressed as “Lillibet” by her loved ones, and this nickname would later mean so much to her upon the passing of her beloved husband, Prince Philip. After her father, King George VI, died in February 1952, Elizabeth was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at just 27 years old on June 2, 1953.

On what would have been her 97th birthday, we look back on Elizabeth’s extraordinary life.

When Elizabeth was just 21 years old and had yet to take the throne, she had already publicly pledged to serve the commonwealth. “I declare before you all with my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service,” she said.

In terms of a royal love story, Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s was one for the ages. They announced their engagement on July 8, 1947, and married a few months later, on Nov. 20, 1947, in Westminster Abbey. The following year Elizabeth gave birth to King Charles III, their first child. They had four children in total — Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. The queen and Prince Philip's 73-year marriage and love story of a lifetime was truly an inspiration. Unlike many royal marriages that are arranged matches, this marriage was based entirely on love.

Sadly, Philip passed away aged 99 in April 2021, mere weeks before Elizabeth's 95th birthday. He was the oldest-ever male member of the British royal family. The queen is said to be heartbroken after losing her "strength and stay."

On Sept. 8, 2022, Elizabeth passed away, her reign coming to an end. She passed away while at her home in Balmoral after Buckingham Palace had earlier announced that she was under medical attention. It was a devastating day for the royal family as many members gathered to be by her side in her final moments. 

At the time of Philip’s passing, Express reported that the royal family arranged for the funeral to be held at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, where Philip's coffin remained until the day the queen died. Following Elizabeth's passing, official arrangements were made to ensure they were buried beside each other.

The queen would have turned 97 on April 21, 2023. Looking back, she celebrated her birthdays grandly. According to Insider, she celebrated her birthday twice a year – once on her actual birthday and again on a Saturday in June each year. This was because the weather was so unpredictable in April that sovereigns opted to celebrate in warmer months to ensure better weather for a birthday parade.

Back in 2016, a documentary film called “Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute” was released in honor of the queen’s 90th birthday. It was narrated by her son Charles and featured footage shot by the queen, Philip, Princess Margaret, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The film also featured Anne, Edward, Prince William and Prince Harry.

For the queen’s 96th birthday, the official Royal Family Instagram account celebrated by posting a nostalgic photo of Elizabeth from when she was just 2 years old. A never-before-seen photo of the late queen was also shared that showed Elizabeth alongside her passion – horses. The caption read, “First staged in 1943, The Queen has attended every single Royal Windsor Horse Show.”

Although Elizabeth is no longer with us, her memory has continued to live on. Following her passing, Charles released a heartfelt statement honoring his mother. Upon taking the throne, he said:

“Queen Elizabeth's was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”

Elizabeth’s long-lasting legacy is sure to continue living on.

What can you say about the late queen? Are you happy to see the ways the royal family has honored her over the years? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones.