Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle, Scotland. As the monarch’s health started failing and doctors put her under medical supervision, senior royals gathered around her, including her son, now King Charles III, her grandson and now heir to the throne, Prince William, and Prince Harry. Before passing away, the Queen’s final public act of state was the appointment of Britain’s third woman Prime Minister, Liz Truss.
Queen Elizabeth II, with Prime Minister Liz Truss. Image courtesy: Instagram/theroyalfamily
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began in 1952 and spanned 70 years. The period was marked by immense social changes, from decolonisation and labour movements to the feminist revival and the digital revolution—all of which the Queen embraced or adapted to during her long period of service. While for many across the world—especially in nations like India—the British monarchy symbolises centuries of colonial oppression, the impact this female monarch has had is undeniable, especially when it comes to living a life dedicated to public service and duty.
A Life Of Service & Duty To The Public
Queen Elizabeth II perhaps engaged in the first public service of her life during the Second World War. In 1940, when she was just 14 years old, she made her first radio broadcast addressing children to build morale. In 1945, she trained as a driver and mechanic for the Auxilliary Territorial Service. But it was after the war that her true participation in charities and public service began.
Queen Elizabeth II, after her coronation in 1952. Image courtesy: Instagram/theroyalfamily
In 1947, she visited South Africa with her parents, where she made a broadcast to the Commonwealth and the world, making a huge pledge: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service,” she said. The Queen had, time and again, recalled the pledge she made and promised to stick to it. During her Silver Jubilee in 1977, she said, “When I was 21, I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God’s help to make good that vow. Although that vow was made in my salad days, when I was green in judgement, I do not regret, or retract, one word of it.”
The Queen’s Charities & Social Work
The Queen’s official website claims that she supported over 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations during her lifetime. These charities are not limited to the UK, but vary in size, cause, location and focus, and are spread across the world. One of the first charities the Queen got involved with had to do with leprosy. In 1947, she became one of the first Royal sponsors of the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association’s (BELRA) Child Adoption Scheme.
Queen Elizabeth II, at a public event. Image courtesy: Instagram/theroyalfamily
Over the years, the Queen’s charities have covered a wide range of issues, from supporting young people and mental health to the preservation of wildlife and the environment. Through her annual investiture programmes, she also honours members of the general public who are making immense contributions to the world. The Queen’s charities include The Soldiers Charity, Mothers Union, the British Diabetic Association, Cruse Bereavement Care, the British Red Cross, Leonard Cheshire, YMCA England, Action for Children, the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, the Smallwood Trust, and the Reedham Children’s Trust among many others.
The impact of these charities has been immense through the decades, and especially during the last few. In 2012, when the Queen celebrated her 60th year on the throne, the Charities Aid Foundation calculated that her service over the years had generated $2.3 billion for charities across the world. Her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022 alone generated over £1.2 million for charities. Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service is clearly her greatest legacy and one that will benefit the world even after her passing.