Her Majesty Remembered: Celebrating The Legacy Of Queen Elizabeth II On What Would’ve Been Her 99th Birthday

Apr 17, 2025 by apost team

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Queen Elizabeth II led a truly remarkable life, defined by duty, resilience, and historic achievements. Born on Apr. 21, 1926, as Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, she was not initially expected to become monarch. However, after her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne, her father became King George VI, placing Elizabeth next in line.

Affectionately called “Lilibet” by her family, she ascended the throne at just 27 years old following her father’s death in 1952. Her coronation took place on Jun. 2, 1953. From then on, she reigned for more than 70 years – making her the longest-reigning and longest-living British monarch, the longest-serving female head of state in history, and one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history. 

In 2015, she surpassed Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother, as the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch. Even before becoming Queen, Elizabeth committed herself to a life of service. At just 21, she declared: “My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.”

Her marriage to Prince Philip was equally iconic. They married in 1947 and spent 73 years together, raising four children: King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Unlike many royal unions of the time, theirs was a genuine love story. Philip passed away in April 2021, shortly before the Queen’s 95th birthday, leaving her heartbroken.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Sept. 8, 2022, at her Balmoral estate. Her death marked the end of an era but also offered a moment to reflect on her extraordinary legacy.

Today, on what would have been her 99th birthday, we remember and honor a monarch whose grace, strength, and dedication left an indelible mark on the world.

Queen Elizabeth II (1986), (IMAGO/Bridgeman Images)

Queen Elizabeth II would have celebrated her 99th birthday on Apr. 21, 2025. Throughout her life, her birthdays were celebrated uniquely. Insider noted that she actually had two birthday celebrations each year – once on her real birthday in April and again in June. This tradition began due to the UK’s unpredictable spring weather, allowing for a more dependable climate during the public birthday festivities and parade.

In 2016, to mark her 90th birthday, a touching documentary titled “Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute” was released. Narrated by her son, King Charles III, the film featured personal home videos taken by members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth herself, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Appearances were also made by Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince William and Prince Harry.

When Elizabeth turned 96, the royal family’s official Instagram honored her with a childhood photo from when she was just 2, as well as a never-before-seen image showing her with horses, as riding was one of her greatest passions. The post read:

“First staged in 1943, The Queen has attended every single Royal Windsor Horse Show.”

After her death in September 2022, Charles paid tribute to her with these words:

“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 passed away at Balmoral, the beloved Scottish estate where she found peace and privacy. According to Vanity Fair’s Katie Nicholl, “she wanted to be in Balmoral and she wanted to pass there.” Nicholl explained that the Queen could “leave her crown at the gates” and enjoy being simply a “mother, grandmother and great-grandmother” there.

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Queen Elizabeth II (2018), (IMAGO/PA Images)

At Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, the royal family’s attire followed tradition and symbolism. Harper’s Bazaar noted that King Charles, Prince William, and other royals with military titles wore ceremonial uniforms. According to Elle, male royals not in active service wore black mourning coats with earned medals.

Female royals also followed strict dress codes. Queen Camilla, Princess Catherine, and Meghan Markle wore black outfits, hats, and veils. Harper’s Bazaar explained:

“The wearing of a veil is a singular royal mourning tradition. The latticed veils are a modern-day interpretation of this code. When the Queen, her mother and sister attended her father’s funeral in February 1952, the veils were long and opaque.”

The wreath used during the funeral procession also honored Prince Philip, as Hello! reported. It featured dahlias, phlox, white heather, pine fir, and sweet peas from Balmoral Castle.

At the funeral itself, the wreath atop Her Majesty’s coffin carried personal significance. Its foliage was specially chosen by Charles. The royal family tweeted that it included “Rosemary, English Oak and Myrtle (cut from a plant grown from Myrtle in the queen’s wedding bouquet) and flowers.” The colors were “gold, pink and deep burgundy, with touches of white, cut from the gardens of Royal Residences.”

Apart from passing away in Balmoral, the Palace also made a very emotional decision to move Prince Phillip’s remains beside Elizabeth’s. 

Prince Philip truly rose to the challenge and was a great husband to Elizabeth and a stellar royal companion who saw his main role as assisting her. The Queen commented on his support in her Diamond Jubilee speech in 2012, where she recognized that while he was “well-known for declining compliments of any kind,” he had been a “constant strength and guide” to her. 

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral procession (2022), (IMAGO/Frank Ossenbrink)

Since Prince Philip was not a monarch, he wasn’t given a state funeral but a royal ceremonial one instead. Due to the pandemic restrictions, the funeral was very small – only 30 people could attend. Many royal family members, including Prince Harry, attended the funeral. 

At the time, Express reported that the royal family had arranged for the funeral to be held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Philip’s coffin remained until the late Queen died, after which the Duke of Edinburgh was interred and buried alongside his wife of 73 years.

After her passing on Sept. 8, 2022, official arrangements ensured the couple would be laid to rest together. Following the national mourning period, Queen Elizabeth was buried at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, alongside her parents and sister. Philip was then interred beside her.

Loyal fans have viewed the royal family’s decision to bury them together as a grand, poignant gesture and a symbol of love that has held the kingdoms together for the entire duration of the Queen’s reign.

Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy remains a guiding force for the monarchy’s future. Her extraordinary reign, marked by dignity, resilience, and lifelong dedication to public service, set a timeless standard for royal leadership. She navigated decades of change with grace, earning deep respect at home and worldwide. 

The name Elizabeth now carries historical significance and a powerful reminder of service and strength. Should there ever be a Queen Elizabeth III, she will inherit more than a crown – she will step into the enduring legacy of a monarch who defined an era and inspired generations.

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip (2011), (IMAGO/APress)

In your opinion, what made the late Queen Elizabeth’s reign so enduring and beloved? Let us know, and then pass this tribute along to fellow royal fans who honor her remarkable impact.

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