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Queen continues to inspire the nation

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The Queen. Credit: Getty Images

Getty Images

The Queen. Credit: Getty Images

June 03 2022 11:00 AM

It was a day when the country felt alive again. A wonderful celebration of 70 years under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

And you have to admit, no one does pageantry quite like the British.

The colourful spectacle, which drew hundreds of thousands onto the streets of London and afforded her public the chance to host garden and street parties to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, is unlikely to be repeated again.

It was a relief and release for all that such a day arrived, especially when so many are concerned with recovering from the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and war in Ukraine.

Since the unexpected death of her father, George VI, on February 6, 1952, Queen Elizabeth has given her life to the service of her country.

She has remained steadfast and dedicated in her role for seven decades, no matter what changes have come and no matter what difficulties have been posed. And there have been difficulties — three of her children have divorced and a fire ravaged Windsor Castle in 1992.

But perhaps the lowest point came in the immediate aftermath of the death of Princess Diana, when public opinion threatened to turn on the royal family when they remained silent as the nation mourned.

But the Queen prevailed, then prospered and her appeal is as strong as ever.

Whether you’re a royalist or not, the Queen has earned the respect of all and indeed one of her most remarkable achievements is achieving that here, in the most divided part of the United Kingdom.

Elizabeth never expected to be queen. Third in line to the throne when she was born on April 21, 1926, events out of her control shaped her destiny, but she took it in her stride when others may have faltered and still inspires a sense of pride.

The most regal of royals, she has outshone every other member of her family during her time on the throne. She has been an enduring presence through almost all of our lives.

A figurehead who has never shirked from that duty.

It was like that during the Second World War, when the young Princess Elizabeth won the hearts of the nation on the streets of London.

No crown is easy to bear. She handles it so well and she has earned the many best wishes as her remarkable eighth decade on the throne begins.

“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,” she said on her coronation.

She has stayed true to her word.

More On The Queen's Platinum Jubilee

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Queen continues to inspire the nation

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