The death of outstanding Queen Elizabeth II has shocked the world. Her Majesty died at 96-years-old after an extraordinary 70-year reign. Britain has lost a National Treasure and only the sixth woman to ascend to the British throne.
Women everywhere should be inspired by her constant, unwavering, gentle dedication to the call to lifelong duty.
Highly Respected on the Global Stage
Queen Elizabeth was widely respected on the global stage, with tributes pouring in from around the globe. She was renown for her statement, “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
The one recurring word for the Queen’s reign, is ‘constancy’. She was a woman who was not born to be queen but became a National Brand and a National Treasure. Queen Elizabeth was the longest reigning British monarch, ably assisted by her husband and consort, The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, through 73 years of marriage. His death, just 17 months ago, left a huge void in her life.
The outstanding Queen Elizabeth embodied the strengths of a constitutional monarch and was a reassuring presence at the centre of national life. She remained constant in an ever-evolving world, driven by a profound sense of duty, decade after decade. Elizabeth became queen in an era in a man’s world, where men knew more than women, whose only job was to raise the family. Her first prime minister was twice her age.
The Queen’s life was guided by her Christian faith and driven by a profound sense of duty, and by the vow she made to the world on her 21st birthday. She was at the heart of democracy, but independent from it.
Queen Elizabeth symbolised the continuity and unity of the British nation for over 70 years. She was the Queen of hearts and both a matriarch and a monarch, besides being a mother and a wife.
She was the most well-known face on a global scale and the most photographed person in the world. A star from the very beginning, who never lost her amazing ability to engage with people. Queen Elizabeth ranked in the top ‘most admired women in the world’ a total of 52 times, between 1948 and 2000.
Days of Mourning
The funeral of an outstanding monarch will be Britain’s first state funeral since Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s death in 1995. Church bells rang across Britain and the Death Gun Salute, one salute for every year of the queen’s reign, announcing a national period of days of mourning. Sporting events were cancelled, from football matches to horse racetracks, and some shops closed as a sign of respect. There are entire generations who cherish the memories of the only Queen they have ever known.
The House of Commons and House of Lords sat on a Saturday, in mourning for the Queen. An event that only happens on extraordinary occasions.
The death of the aged monarch was inevitable, but her death was sudden, only a few hours from the start of the last sickness to her passing. Ever dedicated to duty, only two days prior to her death, she made the supreme effort and accepted the resignation of Boris Johnson and the appointment of Liz Truss as Britain’s new Prime Minister.
Always the People’s Servant
The queen was ever the servant of her people, and her death is the close of an era. In her Christmas broadcast in 1957 she said, “I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice, but I can do something else. I can give you my heart and my devotions to these old islands, and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations.”
Queen Elizabeth was revered, respected, and admired, by millions, yet remained a very private person. She stoically rose to every challenge thrust her way, with courage, and unwavering stability. ‘Keep calm and carry on.’ Queen Elizabeth had a difficult and rocky road but she guided the royal family into a modern era, with wisdom, restraint and calm.
Queen Elizabeth was Head of State for 14 Commonwealth nations, monarch of 15 separate realms, and Head of a Commonwealth of some 56 nations. As the most travelled British monarch, she visited hundreds of countries throughout her reign. Queen Elizabeth showed dignity and constancy, reigning with grace, elegance, and tireless work ethics, plus a glorious sense of humour. She was an unmatched stateswoman.
The Death of an Outstanding Queen Grips the Nation
Nations around the world are gripped by the death of an outstanding queen. Queen Elizabeth stood apart from political divisions, with inscrutability marking her reign. She appeared effortlessly to always be the diplomat and preeminent leader. A cornerstone in a world of chaos, starting with World War II, and a beacon of service and dedication, yet with a wonderful healing hand of humour.
Queen Elizabeth II surpassed the great era of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The queen appointed 15 British Prime Ministers and met 13 of the 14 American presidents. America was birthed through anti-monarchy sentiment, yet 60% of Americans revered the British queen.
Decades of Crises
In 1997, the death of Princess Diana, divorced from Prince Charles, almost brought the monarchy to its knees. A public funeral saved the day, but the Queen continued to rise above numerous crises, both publicly and privately, and a model for anyone aspiring to quality leadership.
The swinging 60s was the start of the serious question of abolishing the Monarchy. The monarchy had to change in a hurry. They had to narrow the gap between the people and the royal family.
A monarchy can be abolished through revolution, coup de’tat, or decolonisation. It takes a legislative or revolutionary movement. The motivation for abolition of the monarchy includes egalitarianism and anti-class views, opposition to undemocratic and hereditary institutions. Others see the monarchy as anachronistic or outdated.
Abolition became more prevalent in the 20th century, with the monarchies in Europe falling from 22 to 12. The number of republics rose from 4 to 34. Decolonisation and independence have resulted in an abolition of monarchical rule. Yet, royal tourism plays an important role in Great Britain’s economy. The monarchy is Britain’s Greatest Treasure, valued at £67 Billion.
What Follows the Death of an Outstanding Queen?
As the days of mourning pass for the death of an outstanding queen, what will be the future of the monarchy? Will King Charles III, aged 73, have the will, the personality and the strength to equal the popular public figure of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II? King Charles III was the longest serving heir apparent, a title that he held from 3-years-old and is now the oldest person to ascend to a throne.
Queen Elizabeth’s unique voice will live on through her family. Prince William, now Prince of Wales, and the regal Kate. They may well be the future of the British monarchy. At least Kate will continue the wonderful legacy of bright and smart fashions, the Queen was known for. Queen Elizabeth was an inspiration and role model for any woman who desires to have a voice in her sphere of influence.
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