Britain’s longest-serving ruler strengthened the monarchy
Elizabeth II reigned in an era of social and political upheaval
“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.” The film is blurred, the soundtrack scratchy, the face obscured by bad lighting and the clipped vowels from another era. Even so the vow, made in a high, clear voice that seems too young for its solemnity, rings out in unmistakable tones. The woman looks straight at the camera for a while, and then her eyes slide sideways, uncertainly, for she is not much more than a girl.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “The end of an era”
Britain September 17th 2022
- How the death of Elizabeth II has affected Britain
- The queen helped effect a change in Anglo-Irish relations
- What sort of king will Charles III be?
- Britain’s longest-serving ruler strengthened the monarchy
- How Britain has changed since Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953
- Will Charles III keep the Commonwealth going?
- An official’s defenestration rattles the Treasury
- The monarchy’s secret weapon: insincerity
From the September 17th 2022 edition
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