Princess Elizabeth's 21st birthday speech in 1947

Summary

Princess Elizabeth's 21st birthday speech, delivered from South Africa, reflects gratitude, commitment, and a call to action. She expresses appreciation for the messages of goodwill from around the world and reflects on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Emphasizing the role of youth in the British Commonwealth, she urges them to take on the responsibilities previously held by their elders. With a solemn vow to serve the Commonwealth, she pledges her life to this cause, asking for the support of her peers to build a brighter, stronger future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Princess Elizabeth expresses gratitude to the many people who have sent her messages of goodwill on her 21st birthday.
• 😀 She reflects on the significance of the day, acknowledging it as both a joyful occasion and a time for serious reflection about the future.
• 😀 The princess addresses the youth of the British Commonwealth, encouraging them to take on some of the burdens carried by their elders.
• 😀 She speaks about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for her and her generation, and the importance of unity in facing them.
• 😀 The princess envisions a future where the Commonwealth is even greater—more free, prosperous, happy, and influential in the world.
• 😀 She emphasizes the need for unwavering faith, high courage, and a quiet heart in building a better world.
• 😀 The princess refers to a noble motto, 'I serve,' which has inspired many of her ancestors and kings before her.
• 😀 While she cannot physically dedicate herself the same way her ancestors did, she vows to dedicate herself through modern means, with the whole Empire listening.
• 😀 She declares that her whole life, whether long or short, will be devoted to serving the British Commonwealth and its people.
• 😀 The princess calls on the support of the youth and the people of the Commonwealth, emphasizing that she cannot fulfill her vows without their help.
• 😀 The message closes with a prayer for God’s help in fulfilling her dedication and a blessing for all those who join in her commitment.

Q & A

What is the significance of Princess Elizabeth's speech on her 21st birthday?

Princess Elizabeth's speech marks a significant moment in her life as she takes on a formal commitment to serve the British Commonwealth. She acknowledges both the joys and challenges of life ahead, and it is a public declaration of her dedication to serving the nations within the Commonwealth.

Why does Princess Elizabeth thank the people who sent messages of goodwill?

Princess Elizabeth expresses gratitude to those who sent messages of goodwill as a recognition of the support and affection she received on her milestone 21st birthday. It also highlights her sense of duty to her people and the appreciation of their encouragement.

How does Princess Elizabeth view the future of the British family of nations?

Princess Elizabeth envisions a bright future for the British family of nations, one where the youth, now reaching adulthood, can contribute to relieving the burdens of their elders and strengthen the Commonwealth. She hopes for a future that is freer, more prosperous, and a positive global influence.

What message does Princess Elizabeth convey about the role of youth in the Commonwealth?

Princess Elizabeth urges the youth of the British family of nations to take on the responsibilities of adulthood with faith, courage, and a calm heart. She emphasizes the collective potential of young people to build a better future, reinforcing their role in continuing the work of previous generations.

What is the motto 'I serve' that Princess Elizabeth refers to, and why is it important?

'I serve' is a noble motto that has been carried by many of her ancestors. It signifies selfless dedication to the service of the nation and the Commonwealth. Princess Elizabeth refers to this motto to show her deep commitment to serving her people, a pledge she now takes personally.

How does Princess Elizabeth intend to make her solemn dedication?

Princess Elizabeth intends to make her solemn dedication by declaring it publicly before the Commonwealth, using modern technological advancements like radio to ensure her message reaches across the empire. She makes a personal vow of service, pledging her life, whether long or short, to the service of her people.

What does Princess Elizabeth believe is necessary to accomplish the goals of the Commonwealth?

Princess Elizabeth believes that achieving the goals of the Commonwealth requires the full dedication and effort of its members. She stresses the importance of unwavering faith, high courage, and collective action in creating a more prosperous and influential Commonwealth.

Why does Princess Elizabeth express thoughts of 'serious' nature on her birthday?

Princess Elizabeth reflects on serious matters, such as the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead in her future role. While her 21st birthday is a joyous occasion, she acknowledges the weight of the commitments she is about to undertake and the serious nature of her public service.

What is the historical context of Princess Elizabeth’s speech from South Africa?

Princess Elizabeth's speech was delivered while she was in South Africa, as part of her royal tour. The speech was given at a critical time in her life, as she was preparing for her future responsibilities as heir to the throne. It marked the formal recognition of her adulthood and commitment to public service.

What does Princess Elizabeth imply about the role of technology in her dedication?

Princess Elizabeth acknowledges the power of modern technology, particularly radio, to broadcast her dedication to a wide audience. She implies that, unlike her ancestors who made their pledges in private, she can now make her solemn vow with the Empire listening through the innovations of science.