On Thursday 21 April 2022 Queen Elizabeth, celebrated her 96th birthday. In honour of the day, she is staying at Wood Farm, a secluded farmhouse cottage set on the British Royal Family’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. A place that was favoured by her husband Prince Philip, who died a little over a year ago.
Queen Elizabeth turns 96 in her Platinum Jubilee year
On 6 February 2022, the Queen celebrated 70 years of service to the crown. Moreover, she will be the first monarch in the history of England to have accomplished this monumental achievement.
Plus, not only has Queen Elizabeth been the first to reach the 70-year milestone, but she has also managed to hold respect throughout all the decades of her reign. It is believed that Queen Elizabeth II’s popularity is greatly due to her serious interest in government and political affairs, apart from her ceremonial duties.
She has also shown her care for her subjects on multiple occasions. For instance, when the palace budget was hit with shortfalls, she was determined not to request funds from her people, but rather minimised royal expenses.
On top of this, she has throughout her reign been passionate about charity work, making it a special focus of her life to help reduce poverty.
“We pay tribute to your 70 years of dedicated and faultless service to our country and the Commonwealth.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Some of Her Majesty’s Noteworthy Achievements
Service in World War II
The Queen’s service to her country started even before she became its monarch. Throughout her teenage years, World War II raged on and in 1944, the moment she became of age, Princess Elizabeth insisted on enlisting.
Despite the royal family’s reluctance to allow an heir to the thrown to be put in danger, in 1945 Princess Elizabeth received permission and joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territory Service (ATS).
First royal “walkabout”
During her visit to Australia and New Zealand in 1970, Queen Elizabeth ignored centuries of royal tradition as she decided to walk through the streets and greet people in person. Before this, British royals would only wave while maintaining a safe distance from the public.
Visit to Ireland
Although the Queen is possibly the most travelled British monarch in history, her visit to Ireland in 2011 is arguably one of her most significant trips.
The Irish have a particularly violent and unhappy history with the empire. However, Queen Elizabeth took that first step towards peace, visiting the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin and paying her respects to those who died fighting the U.K. for Irish freedom.
First British Monarch to address congress
In 1991, Queen Elizabeth became the first British monarch to address a joint session of the United States Congress. Plus, according to The New York Times, her speech was a huge success having received three standing ovations.
Established Commonwealth
Although plans for the commonwealth started before her birth, Queen Elizabeth was the one who fast-tracked the nation through the process. Driven by the need when the empire’s former colonies began breaking away shortly after World War II. Upon her coronation, there were eight members of the Commonwealth. Today, as Queen Elizabeth turns 96, there are 54 members.
Modernisation of the Monarchy
Queen Elizabeth II managed to provide the much-needed stability that the country required at the time of her coronation while also adapting to modernisation.
She aimed to become more approachable to her subjects through means such as her numerous public appearances. While also embracing modern technology, like agreeing to the production of a documentary on the Royal Family and making use of social media.
Additionally, the Queen saw fit to adjust the royal approach towards marriage and divorce. Recognising the need to adapt to modern world views.
Birthday wishes to the Queen
As Queen Elizabeth II turns 96 many have flocked to social media to wish Her Majesty a happy birthday.
“Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a particularly special 96th birthday today”
The Prince of Wales
“Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 96th birthday today! An inspiration to so many across the UK, the Commonwealth and the world”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
“As our patron, we are immensely thankful for The Queen’s unwavering dedication to the Armed Forces.”
Royal British Legion
“The Welsh Guards would like to wish Her Majesty a Happy 96th Birthday today. God Save The Queen.”
The Welsh Guards
“Happy 96th Birthday Granny! You have been such an inspiration to me and so many across the world.”
Princess Eugenie