Queen Elizabeth II: The Biography
These days, Queen Elizabeth II shows up on TV as an elderly woman, always wearing a fashionable hat and carrying a large handbag, smiling and waving to crowds who come to get a glimpse of a Queen who has reigned longer than any other English monarch. While modern audiences have shifted their focus from the older generation to Prince Charles, and now to his sons, William and Harry, the Queen remains the iconic figure behind the family, the country and the commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth II has had a lot to do with modernizing news coverage of the Royal Family. She has given speeches on radio and TV, and even invited TV viewers to experience her coronation as it happened, over 65 years ago.
But, with greater transparency came greater criticism. The throne of England was no longer quite as magical and mysterious as it once had been. When troubles came, the world wanted to know what Elizabeth thought of it. The media questioned her every reaction and criticized her freely and openly. But whenever she felt Britain needed to hear from her, she spoke to the people in kind and generous terms.
The Queen of England no longer rules her country by making all the decisions and ordering her will to be done as former monarchs did. Many people see her as a ceremonial figurehead to a country that is governed by a Prime Minister and Parliament. While that is true to a large degree, Elizabeth also has duties to her country and can exercise her Royal Prerogatives in certain instances. She is very much a working Queen as well as a symbol of Britain.
Elizabeth is also the head of the Royal Family. It is this role that has caused the Queen the most intense heartache and brought her the greatest joy. She reveled at the births of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing with them and posing with them for photos. On the other hand, separations and divorces in the Royal Family caused her enormous grief in a year so agonizing that she called it her “annus horribilis.” Yet, she was accused of being cold and unfeeling during tragic events that turned the eyes of the world toward her realm.
Decades ago, Queen Elizabeth II provided a steadying influence to a country that was shattered by war. Even now, in the twilight of her reign, she influences world perceptions of Britain as a stable and respectable country. She continues to fascinate people in Britain and the world over.
Queen Elizabeth II: The Biography
These days, Queen Elizabeth II shows up on TV as an elderly woman, always wearing a fashionable hat and carrying a large handbag, smiling and waving to crowds who come to get a glimpse of a Queen who has reigned longer than any other English monarch. While modern audiences have shifted their focus from the older generation to Prince Charles, and now to his sons, William and Harry, the Queen remains the iconic figure behind the family, the country and the commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth II has had a lot to do with modernizing news coverage of the Royal Family. She has given speeches on radio and TV, and even invited TV viewers to experience her coronation as it happened, over 65 years ago.
But, with greater transparency came greater criticism. The throne of England was no longer quite as magical and mysterious as it once had been. When troubles came, the world wanted to know what Elizabeth thought of it. The media questioned her every reaction and criticized her freely and openly. But whenever she felt Britain needed to hear from her, she spoke to the people in kind and generous terms.
The Queen of England no longer rules her country by making all the decisions and ordering her will to be done as former monarchs did. Many people see her as a ceremonial figurehead to a country that is governed by a Prime Minister and Parliament. While that is true to a large degree, Elizabeth also has duties to her country and can exercise her Royal Prerogatives in certain instances. She is very much a working Queen as well as a symbol of Britain.
Elizabeth is also the head of the Royal Family. It is this role that has caused the Queen the most intense heartache and brought her the greatest joy. She reveled at the births of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing with them and posing with them for photos. On the other hand, separations and divorces in the Royal Family caused her enormous grief in a year so agonizing that she called it her “annus horribilis.” Yet, she was accused of being cold and unfeeling during tragic events that turned the eyes of the world toward her realm.
Decades ago, Queen Elizabeth II provided a steadying influence to a country that was shattered by war. Even now, in the twilight of her reign, she influences world perceptions of Britain as a stable and respectable country. She continues to fascinate people in Britain and the world over.
Queen Elizabeth II: The Biography
