By: Teresa Gong
“The lessons from the peace process are clear; whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load,” Queen Elizabeth once said. She was the queen of England and reigned from 1952 to 2022. She became the ruler on June 2 and served her people efficiently until her death. Queen Elizabeth contributed greatly to the United Kingdom and its success.
One thing Elizabeth II did that was different from other monarchs is that she spent time among the people. Other monarchs did not mingle with common citizens, but Elizabeth herself said “I have to be seen to be believed.” She would travel many places and meet different people, which led her to be a very likable and well-known monarch. Because she was so famous, Elizabeth had a significant influence on society and could use this to benefit her country.
In 1992, Elizabeth II’s fortieth as queen, she was faced with a challenge known as the Annus Horribilis, Latin for “horrible year.” During this year, three of her children’s marriages collapsed, including Princess Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles. To top it off, a fire destroyed most of Windsor Castle, which cost over thirty-six million pounds to repair. Elizabeth marked this year as a horrible one but did not lose hope and continued to rule Britain through the turmoil.
Elizabeth II was also known for supporting many charities. According to barrons.com, she helped raise more than £1.43 billion (US$1.66 billion) for charities she was a patron of.”
(barrons.com). Elizabeth supported more than 600 organizations and donated over 1.2 million euros.
“The queen demonstrated an unstinting passion for charities and ensured her patronage of hundreds of good causes was integral to her public duties,” said Neil Heslop, chief executive of the U.K.-based Charities Aid Foundation.
“I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else. I can give my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations,” Elizabeth said.
On September 8, Queen Elizabeth passed away at 96 years old. Her death had a huge impact on the U.K., but she will be forever remembered and respected by many.