what has queen elizabeth 2 done

♕ Queen Elizabeth II has constantly been an integral part of the ongoing transformation of the old British empire into the new British Commonwealth, and its modern successor (the Commonwealth of Nations). She acts as the host to the Heads of States

of the Commonwealth realms.

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What has Queen Elizabeth the Second done for the world?

She has presided over the shrinking of the British Empire and the rise of globalization. She has anchored the country through uncertainty — and the royal family's own dramas. As Britain this week celebrates Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne, here are some key moments from her long reign and life.

What was Queen Elizabeth 2nd famous for?

What is Elizabeth II known for? Elizabeth II is the queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

What are 5 interesting facts about Queen Elizabeth?

15 facts about the QueenQueen Elizabeth II was born at 2.40am on 21 April 1926.She is the longest reigning monarch ever in Britain.The Queen has two birthdays.The Queen's birthplace is now a fancy Cantonese restaurant.The Queen first sent an email in 1976.She has many hobbies.More items...

How did Queen Elizabeth impact the world?

Many more charitable actions demonstrate Queen Elizabeth II's impact on poverty. She hosts several garden parties at Buckingham Palace every year, raising money for various organizations that help those in need. The Queen also donated the money from her 90th birthday medal to 76 charities of her patronage.

What was Queen Elizabeth 2 greatest achievements?

As the first British monarch since Queen Victoria to celebrate a Golden Jubilee, Elizabeth traveled more than 40,000 miles that year, including visits to the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. She also visited 70 cities and towns in 50 counties in the United Kingdom.

Why was Queen Elizabeth important?

She was responsible for English exploration of the New World and the flourishing of the economy, making England a world power. Her reign was also noted for the English Renaissance, an outpouring of poetry and drama. Elizabeth's court also became a center for poets, musicians, writers, and scholars.

Why is Queen Elizabeth so powerful?

Power over Parliament She leads the event at the Palace of Westminster, and must give a speech to both the House of Lords and Commons. The Queen opens the Parliamentary sessions, and she can also dissolve the Parliament — completely.

What Queen Elizabeth eats?

Simply cooked meat and vegetables lead the way, with space for pheasant or venison should the Queen wish. Of course, Queen Elizabeth loves a Sunday roast just as much as anyone else. Along with chocolate, the Queen enjoys some strawberries or peaches for dessert.

What role did Princess Elizabeth play in the Battle of Britain?

And even as Princess Elizabeth, she notably played a vital role in keeping the nation upbeat and strong during the Battle of Britain in WWII.

How long has Elizabeth II been on the throne?

Although she has never granted a single interview all throughout her over 65 years on the throne, Elizabeth II never lets her people down when it comes to communicating heartfelt emotions. These, and many others, are some of the reasons why the Queen is beloved my many.

What was the first British monarch to achieve this feat?

Therefore, Queen Elizabeth II’s address to the United States Congress in 1991 was a very historic moment for both countries. By so doing, the Queen became the first British monarch to attain this feat.

What was Queen Elizabeth II's first radio broadcast?

She periodically made radio broadcasts during the war in a bid to bring joy to her people. The first of such radio broadcasts came via the BBC ( British Broadcasting Corporation) in a program called Children’s Hour. Queen Elizabeth II Achievements | Queen Elizabeth II BBC broadcast during WWII.

What was the significance of Queen Elizabeth II's speech to Congress in 1991?

Therefore, Queen Elizabeth II’s address to the United States Congress in 1991 was a very historic moment for both countries.

What wars did Queen Elizabeth II fight?

Born in 1926, you could say that the Queen has seen it all: World War II ( WWII), the Korean War, the Cold War, the Falkland Islands War , ...

What is the role of Elizabeth II in the 21st century?

A true matriarch of the royal family, Elizabeth II has been responsible for making the monarchy once again relevant to the ideals and aspirations of the newer generations on social media. For example, she has kept up with the trends of the fast-changing internet environment. In 1997, she launched a website that details the charitable activities and works of the royal family.

What were Elizabeth's major accomplishments?

Some of her major accomplishments are as follows: ♕ After the end of the second world war, princess Elizabeth traveled extensively to attend public functions throughout the British Isles. These visits included attending the launch of a new aircraft carrier in Belfast, a tour of Ulster in March 1946, and attending the National Eisteddfod ...

How long did Queen Elizabeth II rule?

Even after completing more than five decades of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II still carries out all her duties in and on behalf of all the states of which she is sovereign.

What did Queen Elizabeth II say about the head that wears a crown?

From all the daunting experiences she had during her reign, Queen Elizabeth II understood the tautology of Shakespeare’s observation, which states, “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”. The challenges she had to face as a ruler were painstaking, but were successfully overcome by her, and she ruled with supreme authority over her people. Some of her major accomplishments are as follows:

What did David Cameron say about the Queen?

In his tribute to the Queen, he remarked that she had been a “rock of stability” and her rule had been the “golden thread running through three post-war generations”.

When was Queen Elizabeth II born?

She was born in London on 21st April 1926, declared as the queen at the age of 25, and has reigned for more than five decades of enormous social change and development. Queen Elizabeth II was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who subsequently became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. By the age of 12, she distinguished herself as ...

When did Queen Victoria marry Philip?

On 20th November 1947 , she got married to Philip, who was the Duke of Edinburgh and her third cousin through queen Victoria. It was the perfect blend of her sense of regal duty and a love of simple pleasures, which uniquely characterized the royalty and integrity of her reign.

What is Queen Elizabeth II known for?

Queen Elizabeth II is known for keeping things traditional. During her reign, the monarch has fought hard to keep things as they are, something the public has not always been pleased with. However, the British monarchy has started conforming to some modern ideals and changes have been made in recent years. Some rules the Queen has agreed ...

How did Queen Elizabeth II's behaviour affect the public?

Too distant with the public. In her early years as the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II kept her distance from the public. Her behaviour made the public view her as closed off and cold. However, this changed after the monarch started broadcasting her annual Christmas speech and invited the public into her home.

Why did the Queen ditch the royal tradition?

Queen to ditch royal tradition as monarch makes major shift after health concerns

What rules has the Queen agreed to change?

Some rules the Queen has agreed to change are more relaxed marriage rules and being more open and available to the public.

Why did the Queen allow the Princess' coffin to be covered by the Royal Standard?

The Queen later seemed to regret the decision and following Diana’s death she showed great respect by allowing the Princess’ coffin to be covered by the Royal Standard.

Who influenced Kate and William?

Kate and William 'influenced' by Meghan and Harry's 'more intimate' behaviour

Did Kate and William break the royal rule?

Kate and William 'broke royal rule' taking all three children on holiday during half term

Who is the second woman to look happy wearing curtains?

Aside from being the second woman, after Julie Andrews, to look happy wearing curtains (Image: PA) 1. Four children, only two of whom are any use. Well done and thank you Brenda for the Olympian, the selfless charity work, the Prince’s Trust and the jolly lovely biscuits.

Who ran the British Empire?

But her namesake Elizabeth I ran the country, began the British Empire, sponsored scientists, spoke seven languages and turned international diplomacy into an art form, before giving her name to the age. Elizabeth II hasn’t managed any of that. Under her, the country has run itself and the empire crumbled.

What was the first royal walkabout?

5. Pioneered the walkabout. The very first royal walkabout took place on a trip to Australia and New Zealand in 1970, as a way of meeting “real” people and not just dignitaries. Seeing as it took 18 years to pioneer it, we might presume that it was a PR move but it’s proved to be a wildly popular one.

Did Elizabeth II have a language?

Elizabeth II hasn’t managed any of that. Under her, the country has run itself and the empire crumbled. She can speak two languages, both French and Posh, can’ t be said to have sponsored any great discoveries and has possibly turned the word ‘Elizabethan’ into something that means ‘sort of boring’ .

What powers does the Queen have?

If she sees fit, Queen Elizabeth II can grant "royal pardon" to anyone convicted of a crime. This is another power, though, that she doesn’t use much nowadays. The original purpose of “royal pardon” was to provide exemption from the now-abolished death penalty. The practice of royal pardon is less common today, but the Queen did use it to grant a posthumous pardon to World War II codebreaker Alan Turing in 2013. It can also reduce prison sentences, which it recently did in 2001. Two inmates in a South Wales prison jumped into action to save a prison worker’s life after he was attacked by a wild boar. The monarch made the decision that their heroics had earned them a little time off their sentences.

What powers does the Queen have to approve a proposed law?

She must give what’s known as “royal assent,” which means that she approves the proposed law (or doesn’t!). However, this power to reject laws is, to say the least, not something that comes into play very often. The last time a monarch didn’t grant royal assent was in 1708, when Queen Anne vetoed a measure that would’ve restored the Scottish militia. Learn about the British laws that the Queen is totally exempt from.

What would happen if the Queen dissolved the House of Commons?

If she so chooses, the Queen could fire everyone in the House of Commons and hold a new election of entirely new members. She’s never used this power, but even if she did, it wouldn’t disrupt government activities as much as you might think. The capital-G Government itself, including the Prime Minister and Cabinet, would be unaffected. The last time a monarch dissolved Parliament was in 1830, and a decision to do so today would most likely be hugely unpopular with the citizenry. Check out these fascinating perks that come with being part of the royal family.

Can the Queen declare war on other countries?

Not only can the Queen declare war on other countries, she’s the only one in the United Kingdom with the power to do so. She doesn’t have absolute power by any means, though. This ability only applies in cases of “all-out warfare,” and Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the rest of the government would have to permit it. Queen Elizabeth II has never declared war throughout her entire reign; the last monarch to do so was King George VI, Elizabeth’s father, who declared war on Nazi Germany in 1939.

Who can appoint ministers to the crown?

She most frequently chooses from the existing members of Parliament. This ability isn’t unique to the Queen, though; the Prime Minister has the power to appoint Ministers to the Crown as well.

Does the Queen have power over Parliament?

Parliament, not the royal family, is the United Kingdom’s highest governing body… and yet Queen Elizabeth II does still have some power over this legislative group containing hundreds of individuals. Namely, she must officially open Parliament every May to commence the Parliamentary year. The ceremony is elaborate and steeped in tradition; the Queen must lead a procession through the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster, wear the Imperial State Crown, and give a formal address to both Houses of Parliament. This is the only ceremonial event where the House of Lords, the House of Commons, and the Queen herself gather in the same space. Here are some more surprising facts (and a few scandals) about Queen Elizabeth II.

Does the Queen issue passports?

Any citizen of the United Kingdom with a passport has that passport thanks to the Queen. The Queen herself doesn’t usually issue them directly, though; ministers will usually be the ones to issue passports, on her behalf. Every British passport is issued in her name. She also has the power to withdraw them, though, so whenever you’re traveling, don’t do anything the Queen wouldn’t do! Learn the things Queen Elizabeth always packs while traveling.

Why was Elizabeth II called Elizabeth II?

Martin Charteris asked her to choose a regnal name; she chose to remain Elizabeth, "of course"; thus she was called Elizabeth II, which annoyed many Scots, as she was the first Elizabeth to rule in Scotland. She was proclaimed queen throughout her realms and the royal party hastily returned to the United Kingdom.

What did Elizabeth and Margaret do at the end of the war?

At the end of the war in Europe, on Victory in Europe Day, Elizabeth and Margaret mingled anonymously with the celebratory crowds in the streets of London . Elizabeth later said in a rare interview, "We asked my parents if we could go out and see for ourselves. I remember we were terrified of being recognised ... I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief."

What was the Queen worried about in the 1970s?

According to Paul Martin Sr., by the end of the 1970s the Queen was worried the Crown "had little meaning for" Pierre Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister. Tony Benn said the Queen found Trudeau "rather disappointing". Trudeau's supposed republicanism seemed to be confirmed by his antics, such as sliding down banisters at Buckingham Palace and pirouetting behind the Queen's back in 1977, and the removal of various Canadian royal symbols during his term of office. In 1980, Canadian politicians sent to London to discuss the patriation of the Canadian constitution found the Queen "better informed ... than any of the British politicians or bureaucrats". She was particularly interested after the failure of Bill C-60, which would have affected her role as head of state. Patriation removed the role of the British parliament from the Canadian constitution, but the monarchy was retained. Trudeau said in his memoirs that the Queen favoured his attempt to reform the constitution and that he was impressed by "the grace she displayed in public" and "the wisdom she showed in private".

Why was the Queen upset with Tony Blair?

In May 2007, The Daily Telegraph, citing unnamed sources, reported the Queen was "exasperated and frustrated" by the policies of the British prime minister, Tony Blair, that she was concerned the British Armed Forces were overstretched in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that she had raised concerns over rural and countryside issues with Blair. She was, however, said to admire Blair's efforts to achieve peace in Northern Ireland. She became the first British monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary in November 2007. On 20 March 2008, at the Church of Ireland St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, the Queen attended the first Maundy service held outside England and Wales.

How many shots were fired at the Queen in 1981?

During the 1981 Trooping the Colour ceremony, six weeks before the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, six shots were fired at the Queen from close range as she rode down The Mall, London, on her horse, Burmese. Police later discovered the shots were blanks. The 17-year-old assailant, Marcus Sarjeant, was sentenced to five years in prison and released after three. The Queen's composure and skill in controlling her mount were widely praised.

What was Elizabeth's first public appearance?

In 1943, Elizabeth undertook her first solo public appearance on a visit to the Grenadier Guards, of which she had been appointed colonel the previous year. As she approached her 18th birthday, parliament changed the law so she could act as one of five Counsellors of State in the event of her father's incapacity or absence abroad, such as his visit to Italy in July 1944. In February 1945, she was appointed as an honorary second subaltern in the Auxiliary Territorial Service with the service number of 230873. She trained as a driver and mechanic and was given the rank of honorary junior commander (female equivalent of captain at the time) five months later.

When did the Queen become the first British monarch to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress?

In 1991 , in the wake of coalition victory in the Gulf War, the Queen became the first British monarch to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress.