This Sunday marks an unprecedented event in the United Kingdom: the “Platinum Jubilee” of a sovereign, the 70 years on the throne of Elizabeth II, three years from the world record held by Louis XIV (73 years old). The official celebrations will take place in June for weather reasons, but we can already take stock of his reign.
With our correspondent in London, Emeline Wine
In 70 years, Elizabeth II will have seen fifteen Prime Ministers pass through Downing Street, nine French Presidents, she will have witnessed her country’s entry into the European Union and then its exit and will have worn almost all the colors of the rainbow during his public appearances.
Unity
The Queen doesn’t just rule the UK. In 1952, when she acceded to the throne, she took the lead of six other countries (Canada, Australia for example). Over independence, decolonization, secessions, she has now become head of fifteen states and the Commonwealth.
By becoming queen at the age of 25, although being prepared, Elizabeth first followed very closely in the footsteps of her father, who died of lung cancer at the age of 56. Eventually, the George VI paw became Elizabeth II’s identity; concerned with embodying an image of continuity and unity for her subjects whatever the circumstances.
Camilla finally dubbed
Crown specialists often sum it up in one word: dedication. And, even if at 95, after health problems, Elizabeth II spaces out her public appearances more, they do not believe at all in an abdication in favor of the heir Charles.
The Queen, on the other hand, used the jubilee to put an end to years of controversy surrounding her divorced daughter-in-law Camilla, long vilified for her supposed role in the breakdown of Charles’s marriage to Princess Diana. In a message written on the occasion of her Jubilee, the 95-year-old Queen shared her ” sincere wish “that the Duchess of Cambridge” be known as queen consort when Prince Charles takes the throne. The debate is therefore closed.