The Queen Has Become the Nation’s Grandmother As Well As Its Comforter-in-chief

Queen Elizabeth is definitely a one in a generation kind of person. Taking the reigns when the Monarchy’s imperialism was giving way to a constitutional one, she wheeled the monarchy into an era that sees it working closer with the people than ever before.

In 2002, the Queen said that she sees her role as “guiding this kingdom through the changing times”.

“Change has become a constant; managing it has become an expanding discipline,” she said of her duty.

Redefining the Monarchy’s Relationship with the Commonwealth

At just 27 years of age, Queen Elizabeth’s coronation took place. At the time, the British empire was shaking out its roots as many countries strove to achieve independence.

“No longer an Imperial power, we have been coming to terms with what this means for ourselves and for our relations with the rest of the world,” she said.

Instead of trying to maintain dominance, she worked to build a state of equality between Britain and the Commonwealth of Nations, which brought together Britain and its former colonies.

“The Commonwealth bears no resemblance to the Empires of the past,” the Queen explained in her Christmas message in 1953. “It is an entirely new conception, built on the highest qualities of the spirit of man: friendship, loyalty and the desire for freedom and peace.”

The Queen knew that the best way forward would be to implement post-war sensibilities, which values international equality and independence, and shunned colonialism.

But perhaps one of the greatest promises, which we can see was dear to her heart, was the one she made to devote everyday of her life, “heart and soul”, to building “an equal partnership of nations and races”.

Throughout her reign, Her Majesty has been able to separate her image from politics, by keeping away from offering political opinions or picking sides in delicate issues.

Whenever there was violence, discord, or hard times within the U.K., she always endeavors to spread a message of hope.

“It is far from easy to be cheerful and constructive when things around us suggest the opposite,” she said during the civil unrest in 1978. “But to give up the effort would mean, as it were, to switch off hope for a better tomorrow. Even if the problems seem overwhelming, there is always room for optimism.”

This is why, as she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, millions of people in the U.K. and around the world are eager to celebrate it with her.

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