The Life & Death of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) | Vanity Fair

Summary

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, passed away at 96. Known for her dedication to service, she modernized the monarchy and made over 260 official visits to 115 countries. Her reign began in 1952, and she was a patron of 600 organizations. Elizabeth II was married to Prince Philip, with whom she had four children, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, leaving a legacy of strength and dedication.

Takeaways

• 👑 Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history, passing away at 96 years old.
• 🏰 For many Britons, she was the only monarch they had ever known, symbolizing continuity and stability.
• 🎩 She pledged her life to the service of the people during her 21st birthday, a promise she kept throughout her reign.
• 🌍 Queen Elizabeth made over 260 official overseas visits and 95 state visits to more than 115 countries, setting a record for the most traveled head of state.
• 🤝 At Buckingham Palace, she hosted numerous world leaders, including President Kennedy, Pope John Paul II, and Nelson Mandela.
• 👸 Born in 1926, she became queen at the age of 25 following the death of her father, King George VI.
• 💍 Married to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who supported her throughout her reign until his death in 2021.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The couple had four children, and she was known for her love of her family, including her beloved Corgis and Dorgis.
• 👵 As a patron of over 600 organizations and charities, she was actively involved in various social and philanthropic causes.
• 👴 She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, leaving a lasting legacy.
• 🕊 Her commitment to the service of her people and the future generations was unwavering, as she often emphasized the importance of working for the benefit of those who would follow.

Q & A

How old was Queen Elizabeth II when she passed away?

Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96.

What significant milestone did Queen Elizabeth II achieve in her reign?

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history.

What did Queen Elizabeth II promise at the age of 21?

At the age of 21, Queen Elizabeth II pledged her life to the service of her people and asked for God's help to fulfill that vow.

How did Queen Elizabeth II contribute to modernizing the British monarchy?

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II helped delicately modernize the monarchy to fit contemporary culture.

How many official overseas visits did Queen Elizabeth II make during her reign?

Queen Elizabeth II made more than 260 official overseas visits during her reign.

Which notable world leaders did Queen Elizabeth II host at Buckingham Palace?

At Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II hosted leaders including President Kennedy, Pope John Paul II, and Nelson Mandela.

What significant event in the British monarchy occurred when Queen Elizabeth II was 25?

When Queen Elizabeth II was 25, she ascended to the throne after her father's death in 1952.

Who was Prince Philip, and what did he give up to serve Queen Elizabeth II and the nation?

Prince Philip was Queen Elizabeth II's husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, who gave up his naval career and Greek citizenship to serve the Queen and become a British subject.

What was Queen Elizabeth II's relationship with her beloved Corgis and Dorgis?

Queen Elizabeth II had a long association with Corgis and Dorgis, owning over 30 in her lifetime and enjoying her leisure time with them.

How many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren did Queen Elizabeth II have at the time of her passing?

Queen Elizabeth II was survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

What did Queen Elizabeth II emphasize as the purpose of her life's work?

Queen Elizabeth II emphasized that her life's work was not for herself but for her children, their children, and those who would follow in their footsteps.