Some commentators describe her reign as a “golden age” similar to that of Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England 400 years ago during a period of growing power and cultural prosperity..
“I think we are somehow seen by the Queen,” said Valerie Amos, a former politician and the first black person to be awarded by the Queen of the old Knights of the Garter. The consistency, the wisdom that she showed, it was all clearly reflected in the way people viewed her. Britain“.
Others say the 96-year-old queen’s influence on the nation has been less profound than that of her predecessor, with the throne’s powers diminishing since the first Elizabethan era..
Some critics say it has left no tangible impact, just an inappropriate institution in a world of egalitarian aspirations, disrespectful comments on social media, and round-the-clock media scrutiny..
Nevertheless, her legacy remains remarkable, ensuring the survival of the monarchy in an era of rapid change.
Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 25 on February 6, 1952, after the death of her father, George VI, when Britain was shaking off the dust of World War II. The quota system was still in place and Winston Churchill was Prime Minister.
Since then, successive presidents, popes and prime ministers have come and gone, the Soviet Union has collapsed and the British Empire has collapsed, replaced by a Commonwealth of 56 countries that Elizabeth was instrumental in creating..
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, an expert on British constitutional history, said, “None of the other imperialist powers have achieved this… In Britain, enormous social and economic changes have been carried out in a peaceful, consensual manner… This is very remarkable.“.
A second Elizabethan era?
Elizabeth I reigned for 44 years on the throne in the sixteenth century, a period considered England’s golden age in which the economy grew and the country’s influence expanded. William Shakespeare wrote his plays, which are still performed and performed all over the world and are considered among the most influential in all languages.
In a speech broadcast on Christmas 1953, the Queen said: “Some people have expressed the hope that my reign will be a new Elizabethan era. To put it bluntly, I do not feel at all like my great predecessor (Elizabeth) Tudor.“.
Since she has not been interviewed or her personal views on political issues have been revealed, it is difficult to ascertain her own assessment of her longest reign in British history. A senior aide to the royal family told Reuters she views her legacy as a matter for others to judge.
Constitutional historian David Starkey said that the Queen did not consider her role the embodiment of a historical period, but was only performing a function.
In 2015, he wrote, “She has neither done nor said anything that anyone will remember. It will not be because of her age (because it is not of her making or choosing) or because of anything else, I believe.“.
He added, “I am not saying this to criticize, but it is simply an admission of the truth. Rather, there is a bit of flattery in it. I think the Queen will take it as such. Because she came to the throne with only one idea: the continuation of the royal presence.”“.
Other historians and biographers say Starkey’s views are unfair regarding the Queen’s performance.
“In an increasingly chaotic world, (Queen Elizabeth) has given a sense of stability,” said Andrew Morton, whose 1992 biography of Princess Diana caused rifts in the royal family.“.
Some say that the Queen’s insistence on performing her role as much as she can and her reluctance to express opinions may cause any abuse to give her moral authority that goes beyond the limits of anything she was ordering from the reality of her position as Queen of the country.
“What the Queen has been able to do is … bring the monarchy into the twenty-first century in the best possible way,” her grandson Prince William said in a 2012 documentary.“.
“Every organization needs to look at itself a lot and ownership is a constantly evolving machine and I think it actually wants to be a reflection of society, it wants to move with the times and it’s important for it to do that for its survival,” he added.“.
soft power
Constitutionally, the king has little practical powers and is expected not to take sides.
However, historians say Elizabeth wielded “soft” power and made the monarchy a unifying focal point of the nation amid great societal divisions, exemplified by her reassuring broadcasts at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic..
Although her position transcends political struggles, she would meet the Prime Minister in a special weekly appearance.
In a 1992 documentary, she said, “They tell me what’s going on or if they have any problems and sometimes one can help in that way too.“.
“They know that one can be neutral, so to speak. I think it’s kind of good to feel like a kind of sponge,” she said.“
Former leaders said her experience over many years was very useful, allowing them to speak frankly without fear of making their conversations public..
John Major, British Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997 said: “You can be quite frank, or even unreserved, with the Queen.“.
Tony Blair, who replaced Major and served as prime minister for a decade, said: “She assesses situations and difficulties and can characterize them without ever giving any indication of political preference or anything like that. It’s great to see that.“.
Some historians say the queen would be considered the last of her kind, as a monarch from a time when elites were unquestionably respected. But she may be one of the greatest personalities in the country.
Anna Whitelock, professor of royal history at City University of London, said: “There is no doubt that she is one of the greatest monarchs, not only because of her longevity, but for her period of change.“.
She added, “Like Elizabeth I…she has an extended influence on Britain and Britain’s standing in the world.”“.
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