Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away, aged 96 on 8 September 2022 surrounded by her family. To try to distil such a long and full life into a few paragraphs can never do justice to this incredible, inspirational woman who has been our country’s anchor and the heart of our nation and beyond. Her warmth, wisdom and charm earned her global respect.
Throughout difficult periods in history our monarch has shown unwavering strength and offered comfort in times of national challenge, whether serving in the ATS during the Second World War or, more recently her messages of encouragement during the Coronavirus crisis and call to world leaders at COP26 to come together to protect the planet.
Like all of us the Queen has also had to weather numerous personal tragedies and challenges, but always did so with dignity and steadfastness. No doubt her greatest test was the loss of her husband Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, whom she described as her ‘strength and stay’. To repurpose her Majesty’s own words she has been our strength and stay all these years and we owe her a greater debt than she would ever claim, or we shall ever be able to express.
For many of us this marks the first passing of a monarch in our lifetime, but it is poignant to recall that for her, it was the death of her own dear father that signified her life had changed forever. From the moment her uncle Edward abdicated she was put on a path that one day would see her become Queen of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. A life defined by grace, constancy and service and one that we thank her wholeheartedly for.
As we as a nation continue to try come to terms with the loss of our Queen, here are some of her finest moments…
Queen Elizabeth II's finest moments
1 of 10The Coronation
On June 2nd 1953, Princess Elizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 27. The coronation was the first to be broadcasted on national television and made for a national occasion of celebration. The televised event was watched by over 8 million households as well as the 8,000 VIP guests that were in attendance at Westminster Abbey to witness the start of the Queen's reign.
2 of 10Her marriage to Prince Philip
A young Princess Elizabeth first met her husband-to-be Prince Philip at the age of 8 at the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark to Prince George, Duke of Kent. Little did she know then that she would one day marry Duke Philip Mountbatten on 20th November 1947 at Westminster Abbey when she was 21.
They had two children together, Princess Anne and Prince Charles.
3 of 10Every fashion moment
Over the years, the Queen got herself to the top of many best dressed lists and is a fashion icon in her own right. From her bright, block colour outfits to her enviable collection of stylish handbags, the Queen always looked the part, whatever the occasion.
4 of 10When she became the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services
As Princess Elizabeth, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945 becoming the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services as a full-time active member. In this role she learnt to drive and maintain vehicles. Since then, The Queen maintained a close relationship with the Armed Forces.
5 of 10Every time we saw her with her family
With four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, the Queen was a very proud grandma. There's Peter, Zara, Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, James, Viscount Severn, Savannah Phillips, Isla Phillips, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, Mia Tindall and Lena Tindall, Lucas Tindall and August Brooksbank.
6 of 10Her wicked sense of humour
Many who knew the Queen personally commented on the monarch's razor sharp wit and good humour. Biographer Karen Dolby even wrote a whole book of hilarious Elizabeth-isms, which you can buy here, and she was almost always giggling in photos.
7 of 10The celebration of her Jubilees
Not many monarchs get to say they've celebrated their Jubilee, but Queen Elizabeth II has got a Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum under her belt. Such is Britain's affection for their Queen, Jubilees are cause for huge celebration up and down the country, bringing neighbours together for street parties.
8 of 10Her reaction to Lady Diana's death
After Princess Diana's tragic death in 1997, the Queen said in a touching televised tribute to her, "She never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness. I admired and respected her for her energy and commitment to others, and especially for her devotion to her two boys."
The Queen went on to open a number of memorials and statues to commemorate Diana and continued to keep her in the Royal families memories.
9 of 10Her support of the nation
Throughout her life the Queen was dedicated to her role, her duty. She had an exceptional dedication to public life, supporting the nation through tough times and providing leadership and inspiration that has seen us through wars, the Coronavirus pandemic and national disasters.
10 of 10Thank you
On her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth promised her people that "her whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service." Thank you for your service, your duty is done.
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Our beautifully illustrated collectors’ edition is packed with iconic photographs of our Queen as a monarch, a mother and grandmother. We look back to her childhood, her time as a young bride, her accession to the throne and the key moments through her 70 years of dedicated service to the nation.