Good morning Year 6!
Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, born 21 April 1926) is the Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. Elizabeth was born in Mayfair, London, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth).
The Queen has ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the globe. Her extraordinary reign has seen her travel more widely than any other monarch, undertaking many historic overseas visits. Known for her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service, she has been an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.
Her Majesty continues to carry out a full programme of engagements, from visits to charities and schools, to hosting visiting Heads of State, to leading the nation in Remembrance and celebratory events – all supported by other members of the Royal Family.
The Queen sees public and voluntary service as one of the most important elements of her work. The Queen has links – as Royal Patron or President – with over 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations. These vary from well-established international charities to smaller bodies working in a specialist area or on a local basis only.
Her patronages and charities cover a wide range of issues, from opportunities for young people, to the preservation of wildlife and the environment. Having Her Majesty as Royal patron or president provides vital publicity for the work of these organisations, and allows their enormous achievements and contributions to society to be recognised.
Her Majesty supports and encourages achievement in all walks of life through the annual programme of Investitures (at which she presents members of the general public with their honours), Garden Parties, receptions and other awards given in her name, which allow her to say ‘thank you’ to all those who have contributed to the life of the nation and the Commonwealth.
The Queen carries out all of her duties against the backdrop of a full personal life which has seen her raise four children and welcome grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren to the Royal Family. The Duke of Edinburgh has been – in her own words – her ‘strength and stay’ during her reign, whilst other members of the Royal Family continue to offer vital support through their work in the UK and overseas.
Here is a video of the Queen’s encouraging and inspiring Coronavirus broadcast:
The Queen as a child
Today’s task: Create a timeline to show the events from Queen Elizabeth’s life.
Your timeline must show Her Majesty’s extraordinary life and reign: from a young girl who did not expect to be Queen, to an iconic and celebrated figure who has ruled for more than 60 years.
You can type up your timelines in the comments (don’t forget to include dates and make sure it is in chronological order!) or you can send your timelines via the Homework Uploader for the attention of Mrs Avdiu.
Good luck!
Mrs Avdiu xx
Printer-friendly version: Tuesday History blog
1952 – Elizabeth accedes to the throne on the death of her father, George VI.
1953 – – 1954 Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip embark on a 6 month world tour including Australia and New Zealand
1957 – Queen Elizabeth addresses the United Nations and opens the 23rd Canadian Parliament
1959 – Queen Elizabeth tours Canada and the United States
1969 – Prince Charles is invested as Prince of Wales.
1981 – Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
1982 – Pope John Paul II is first reigning pope to visit the UK.
1986 – Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 60th birthday.
1992 – Windsor castle suffers severe fire damage.
1997 – Diana Princess of Wales dies in Paris car crash.
2002 – Queen Elizabeth II marks her Golden Jubilee of 50 years of rule. Deaths of Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.
2020 – The United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
2020 – Worldwide Coronavirus pandemic.
Thanks Nina. You’ve listed all the main events in her life 🙂 What surprised you the most? Did you learn something new today that you didn’t know about the Queen before? For the last two could you mention the Queen and her role in these too?
Wow Nina, I’m so impressed with your detailed timeline. Well done!