Elizabeth II marked an era. Her figure has been fundamental in the 20th and 21st centuries, a role she was aware of and treated with great suspicion.
So much so, that she in the 70 years of her reign never gave an interview. Its citizens, also those of the Commonwealth and the whole world, were invited to meet the monarch only through habitual public speeches - essential every Christmas and in designated acts - that with the counted and precise words have given shape to the queen's reputation, as well as the illusion of intim-cy with her people.
Service to an Empire
"My entire life, long or short, will be dedicated to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong." In her twenty-first birthday speech, still, as heir to the throne, she first expressed her dedication to service. It was 1947 and the first royal trip for the princess, that she addressed the nation and colonies by radio from Cape Town, South Africa. The same commitment she would later repeat on designated dates, from her coronation (1953) to the 70th anniversary of her accession to her throne (2022).
The Royal Family, his family
"Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward young men, and of disagreements." Elizabeth II tried to bring the humanity of the Royal House closer in her speech to the heads of state aboard the royal yacht Britannia, in October 1989, according to Reuters.
Princess Diana
"What I tell you now, as your queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart (...) No one who has known Diana will ever forget her. Millions of people who never knew her, but who felt they knew her, will remember her. I share your determination to preserve his memory." Possibly one of the most sensitive public appearances for the monarch. The speech was broadcast on television in September 1997 after the death of Lady Diana in a car accident in Paris. Of the princess, she would also remember "her energy and her commitment to others", as well as "her devotion to her two children".
The coronavirus pandemic
"While we have faced challenges before, this one is different. This time we join all the nations of the world in a common effort, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed, and that success will guide us." It will belong to each one of us." Already in the 21st century, with the COVID-19 pandemic, Elizabeth II also raised her voice to accompany the United Kingdom in difficult times. It was on April 5, 2020, after the outbreak of the health crisis.
The economic crisis
"When life seems hard, the brave don't lie down and accept defeat; on the contrary, they are even more determined to fight for a better future." Also at Christmas 2008, when the United Kingdom and Europe were entering the financial crisis.
Monarchy, democracy, freedom...
"The function of the constitutional monarchy is to embody the democratic State, to sanction the legitimate authority, to ensure the legality of the means, and to guarantee the execution of the public will. It is my ardent wish that no citizen of my realms suffers restrictions." The Queen, easing tensions in the Commonwealth, at the Quebec Provincial Assembly, on October 9, 1964.
The "alliance" with Europe after Brexit
“As we look towards a new partnership with Europe, our shared values and commitment to each other are our greatest asset and demonstrate that even through change, our enduring alliance remains strong and as innovators, marketers, and internationalists, we look with confidence to the future. ”. In 2018, during a visit by the King of the Netherlands, Elizabeth II made what is considered the first direct reference to Brexit. Two years had passed since the victory of the yes vote in the referendum to leave the European Union.
Lessons of war
"We can make sense of the future if we understand the lessons of the past. Winston Churchill, my first Prime Minister, said 'The more you look back, the more you look forward'." Celebrating her part in British and world history, at Christmas 1999. World War II was part of the Queen's character formation, but also part of her reign that she inherited from her. She later referred to those who lived through it as her generation, a "resilient" generation.
For peace between religions
"Everyone is our neighbor, regardless of race, creed, or color. The need to care for others is far more important than any cultural or religious difference." At Christmas 2004, after the invasion of Iraq, the monarch devoted part of her speech to "differences and conflicts" related to "religion and culture." "The irony is that all religions have something to say about tolerance and respect for others," she said.
