Queen Elizabeth II: 70 years of service, RIP Ma’am
The recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II – the longest-reigning monarch in British history – has touched us all. Whether you are a Royalist or not, there can be no doubting the remarkable service she gave. Out of respect, today’s blog is not about software testing. Instead, we look at some iconic moments from her incredible reign.
An incredible timeline: 1926 – 2022
- April 21st, 1926 -> A future Queen is born
George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon become the proud parents to Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor in London.
- October 13th, 1940 -> The first public speech
The BBC’s Children’s Hour broadcast Elizabeth’s address to the children of the Commonwealth during World War Two.
- April 21st, 1942 -> The first public engagement
Elizabeth was appointed Colonel of the Regiment of the Grenadier Guards on her 16th Birthday. An inspection of the guards became the first of many public engagements.
- November 20th, 1947 -> Elizabeth marries
Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey at the age of 21 and thus began a 73-year marriage.
- November 14th, 1948 -> A future King is born
Buckingham Palace was the venue for the birth of Prince Charles Philip Arthur George – now King Charles III.
- June 2nd, 1953 -> The Coronation
Over 40 million people tuned into the ceremony live on television and radio. Another 3 million people then lined the route back to Buckingham Palace.
- May 18th, 1965 -> Another first with a state visit to West Germany
1913 had been the last time a British royal visited the Federal Republic of Germany. The Queen enjoyed a 10-day visit to mark the 20-year anniversary of the end of World War II.
- February 6th, 1977 -> The Silver Jubilee
The Queen’s 25th year on the throne was celebrated with a public holiday. Her Majesty also visited many Commonwealth countries.
- July 29th, 1981 -> The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana
As many as 750 million people around the world watched the “wedding of the century” at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- November 27th, 1997 -> A Golden wedding anniversary
The Queen and Prince Philip celebrated this tremendous milestone with a luncheon at London’s Banqueting House.
A new century
- 2002 -> The Golden Jubilee
As the Queen celebrated her 50th year on the throne she became the first British monarch to do so since Queen Victoria.
- September 9th, 2015 -> The Queen becomes the longest-reigning British monarch
Queen Elizabeth II replaced her great, great, Grandmother Queen Victoria’s record.
- June 2nd, 2022 -> The Platinum Jubilee
To mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne, a military parade took place and there was also a Royal Air Force fly-over and an 82-gun salute.
- September 8th, 2022 -> The Queen passes at the age of 96, marking the end of an amazing life.
Queen Elizabeth II: 1926 – 2022
Rest In Peace, Ma’am.