Queen in an ever changing world, she was stability. And a link to a proud past. As britains longest reigning monarch, she saw unprecedented change. Womens empowerment, the fight for racial equality, and lgbtq rights, technological revolution, the decline of the church of england. She was admired worldwide for her lifelong dedication to his subjects, following a pledge she made by her 21st birthday. I declare before you all, that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our Great Imperial family, to which we all belong. At the age of 96, her death was not unexpected, but it nonetheless shook the nation to its core. And raised an existential question, can the monarchy survive the passing of the second great Elisabeth Ian age . I went to Balmoral Castle within hours of her death. The 50,000 acre retreat in the Scottish Highlands was the queens favorite summer residents. Hundreds game to pay their respects. This is all still very fr
she was asked, later on, how had she managed to do it. and in typical understatement, she said, well, he put his hand out. of course i was going to shake it. but it was much more than that. queen elizabeth was a skilled diplomat, and comfortable and a role as british advisor, and bridge builder. it was here at buckingham palace where she entertained world leaders and presidents, and no one refused an invitation. but ultimately, it was her own family that put the british monarchy at greatest risk. in november 1992, the queen talked openly about her and it s her we bliss, latin for horrible year. and 1992, it s not the year on which i should look back with it value to pleasure. in the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondence, it just turned out to be that year, three of her