News
Queen Elizabeth II Becomes Britain's Longest Ruler, Makes Unexpected Request
February 7th, 11:38 AM EST
Updated:
ENGLAND -- Queen Elizabeth II marked 70 years as her country's matriarch, symbolic leader and icon of strength Sunday. She assumed the duties upon the death of her father, King George VI.
A public celebration is scheduled over a special four-day weekend June 2-5 when the weather improves. The festivities are set to include a military parade, neighborhood parties and a competition to create a new dessert. The celebrations are meant to recognize the woman who became a symbol of stability for the U.K.
Britain’s longest-serving monarch, the only sovereign most Britons have ever known, has been a constant presence helping her people navigate the swinging ‘60s, the labor strife of the 1980s, international terrorism and most recently Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Britain’s longest-serving monarch, the only sovereign most Britons have ever known, has been a constant presence helping her people navigate the swinging ‘60s, the labor strife of the 1980s, international terrorism and most recently Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a message to the people, she wrote, “As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service."
The queen also used her special Platinum Jubilee message to make a significant decision in shaping the future of the British monarchy.
Her Royal Highness said: it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.
The term 'consort' references the chief monarch's spouse and primary support system, which she also gave credit to her mother and late husband for serving in that role unselfishly.
The message ties up a loose end that has hung over the House of Windsor since the queen's first son Prince Charles divorced first wife Princess Diana.
It took years for many in Britain to forgive Charles, the man whose admitted infidelity brought such pain to "the people's princess" before she died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
Charles married Camilla in 2005 and she became the Duchess of Cornwall.
The queen also used her special Platinum Jubilee message to make a significant decision in shaping the future of the British monarchy.
Her Royal Highness said: it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.
The term 'consort' references the chief monarch's spouse and primary support system, which she also gave credit to her mother and late husband for serving in that role unselfishly.
The message ties up a loose end that has hung over the House of Windsor since the queen's first son Prince Charles divorced first wife Princess Diana.
It took years for many in Britain to forgive Charles, the man whose admitted infidelity brought such pain to "the people's princess" before she died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
Charles married Camilla in 2005 and she became the Duchess of Cornwall.
