#Longest-reigning British monarch

[tmarshconnors]

On the passing of Queen Elizabeth II

"Lillibet" a familiar voice

Whispers in my ear

Philip holds out his hand

"it's time to go my dear" 

"Already Philip?" but he just smiles,

"I knew you would protest, 

But you've served your country well my love, now it's time to rest".

My family are gathered around,

I know their tears are for me, 

But my body has grown tired,

And now I'm finally free.

"I broke the record, 70 years, 

I suppose you are quite right" 

I took his hand, and walked towards the tunnel of white light.

Then I stopped for a second, 

And looked upon my son, 

I knew I had four more words before my time was done. 

I walked up behind him, as the bells began to ring, 

I gave his shoulder a squeeze, 

and whispered, "God save the King".

RIP Lillibet…

Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during her lifetime and remained the monarch of 15 realms by the time of her death.

Born: April 21, 1926, Bruton Street, London, United Kingdom

Died: September 8, 2022, Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom

[charlesoberonn]

The longest reigning British monarch dying during the admin of the shortest serving British prime minister is kinda hilarious when you think about it.

[duchesssoflennox]

"The Monarchs of Queen Victoria’s Legacy"

Wilhelm II was the first of Queen Victoria's grandchildren to ascend to a throne, becoming German Emperor in 1888. His reign initiated the lineage of monarchs descended from Victoria. The last to be crowned was Marie of Romania in 1914, marking the end of an era for Victoria's royal progeny.

Queen Maud of Norway holds the distinction of having the longest tenure as Queen Consort among Queen Victoria's grandchildren, with a reign that spanned 33 years. Her time on the throne was characterized by a harmonious blend of British heritage and Norwegian culture, leaving a legacy of benevolence and cultural patronage. Conversely, Queen Sophia's role as Queen Consort of the Hellenes was the briefest, lasting just about 4 years due to the political upheavals of World War I and Greece's National Schism, which led to her husband's abdication. Despite the short span, her resilience and dedication to her royal duties remained unwavering.

The execution of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna was a deeply tragic event, reflecting the brutal reality of the Russian Revolution. On the night of 16-17 July 1918, she and her family were executed by Bolshevik revolutionaries in Yekaterinburg. Alexandra witnessed the murder of her husband, Tsar Nicholas II, before she herself was killed with a gunshot to the head. The violence of that night brought an abrupt and grim end to the Romanov dynasty, extinguishing the lives of the last imperial family of Russia in a stark and merciless manner. Her death marked the first among Queen Victoria’s crowned grandchildren. In contrast, Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain lived through the upheavals of the 20th century, witnessing the restoration of the Spanish monarchy. She passed away in 1969, the last of Victoria’s crowned grandchildren, her life reflecting the dramatic changes of her time.

George V’s United Kingdom, a realm where tradition blends with modernity, continues to stand firm. The monarchy, a symbol of continuity, has weathered the storms of change, its crown passed down through generations, still reigning with a sense of duty and connection to the people.

Maud of Norway’s legacy endures in the serene beauty of Norway, where the monarchy remains a cherished institution. Her reign, characterized by a quiet strength and a nurturing presence, is remembered fondly, and the royal house she helped establish continues to flourish.

Margaret of Connaught’s Swedish monarchy, into which she married, stands resilient. Though she never became queen, her descendants uphold the traditions and values she embodied, maintaining the monarchy as a pillar of Swedish national identity.

Victoria Eugenie of Spain saw the Spanish monarchy navigate the tumultuous waters of the 20th century, enduring a republic and a dictatorship before being restored. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience, with her bloodline still on the throne, embodying the spirit of reconciliation and progress.

In stark contrast, the fates of other monarchies were marked by tragedy:

Wilhelm II witnessed the fall of his German Empire in the aftermath of World War I. His abdication marked the end of an era, and he spent his remaining years in exile, a once-mighty emperor without a throne, reflecting on the lost glory of his realm.

Sophia of Hellenes experienced the disintegration of the Kingdom of Greece amidst political upheaval. The monarchy, once a symbol of national unity, was abolished, leaving her and her family to face the harsh reality of a world that had moved beyond the age of empires.

Alexandra Feodorovna’s Russian Empire crumbled during the Bolshevik Revolution. The tragic end of the Romanov dynasty saw her and her family executed, their fates sealed by the tides of revolution that swept away centuries of monarchical rule.

Marie of Romania’s kingdom, once a beacon of hope in the aftermath of World War I, eventually succumbed to the forces of history. The monarchy was abolished after World War II, and the royal family faced the stark reality of a republic.

[luimnigh]

Fun Fact: Charles Windsor-Mountbatten was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British/English history, being heir apparent for 52 years.

He's also currently the fifth-shortest reigning British/English monarch since William the Conqueror, at 502 days at time of posting.

He's only beating the disputed Queens Matilda (208 days) and Lady Jane Grey (9 days), 12 year old murder victim Edward V (78 days), and his abdicating grand-uncle Edward VIII (326 days).

He has to reign another 286 days to beat the next-shortest, Richard III's 788 days.

[warwickroyals]

Can women not become Queen in Sunderland? That's pretty regressive.

Women can inherit, Zella's statement was a bit erroneous, but Sunderland operates on male preference primogeniture meaning a girl can only inherit if she has no brothers, something that hasn't happened before.

Also, I strongly resist the idea that a hereditary monarchy is somehow more progressive if there's a woman on the throne rather than a man. Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning female monarch, spent the last years of her life protecting her alleged rapist son from facing his victims. The last time she did a television interview here in Canada Princess Anne defended the British Empire, which is responsible for oppressing and displacing millions of women and girls around the world. The fact that anyone would consider these women feminists is beyond me.

The royal women who I do consider feminists—Meghan Markle, Queen Mary of Denmark, Diana, Rania of Jordan etc.—either had that reputation before marrying their husbands or had to actively fight against the royal institution to do things their own way. And they put years and years and years into actually doing proper activism.

In my story, if Louis was Louise how would that better anything in my story? Would the family be any less dysfunctional, would Sunderland be a more equitable country? The answer to all of this is no because the women in my story are often just as misogynistic and regressive as the men.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

BORN ON THIS DAY:

Princess Elizabeth of York (21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022), who became Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, was the longest reigning British monarch.

[duchessofostergotlands]

Are there any influential royal women that really shaped the monarchy?

Well we've had multiple queens, including our two longest reigning monarchs who between them led Britain for over 130 of the last 200 years, so yes of course. Every single person in the line of succession today has to claim descent from a woman, Sophia of Hanover. The British Empire has its roots in the reign of Elizabeth I which, while obviously not a great thing on reflection, undoubtedly shaped the monarchy for better or worse. The Church of England of which our monarch is still head was formed in part because of Anne Boleyn. It was Queen Anne who signed the Act of Union which formed Great Britain and was an active part of negotiations.

Monarchy is an old old system which relies on family and blood to survive: marriages, children etc. Even women largely lost to history will all have shaped the monarchy in some way because they're necessary for its continuation. But women have always served as regents, they've built armies, they've advised and influenced those in power, they've been emblems of their nations.

[celticcrossanon]

Hi Celta! Thank you for the truly insightful, if upsetting, recent readings. Soooo many court machinations! IMHO KCIII made a significant impact as the longest-serving PoW…perhaps, even, the best PoW in British history. And yes, he’s had a decades-long vision of what his own glorious reign would be like when his turn finally came, but now it’s all crumbling to the ground. It was inevitable, though, given HLMQEII’s long reign and KCIII’s accession as the oldest monarch, that KCIII’s own reign would be seen as a short interregnum - a mere bridge between his mother QEII’s iconic reign and his son WV’s own eagerly anticipated reign. Then KCIII quickly got cancer on top of it all.

IMO KC wants to burnish his own legacy as best he can in the relatively short period allotted to him. As a father figure, this means bringing his prodigal son Harold back into the fold. How embarrassing and sullying it will be historically, if KCIII goes down as “the King who banished his son” or even worse, “the King who stripped his loser son of his titles.” A Bad Father King, who failed as a parent. It reflects very poorly on KCIII, particularly in comparison to Super Dad William. 

KCIII cares primarily about himself, and then about Camilla. In the end, playing “loving, happy family” with Harry is 100% about KCIII and his own historical legacy. Game of Thrones indeed! Thank God the Mother of Dragons (Emilia Clarke) is Team Wales lol!

*

Hi Nonny,

You are welcome for the readings.

I don’t know why King Charles would be worried about being in history as the father who banished his son, given the behaviour of said son. Look at how well history speaks of the banishment of the Duke of Windsor (married to Wallis Simpson). I think you could be right about the King’s motives, I just don’t see the sense in them, myself.

I wish the King would be content with his reputation as the longest serving Prince of Wales and what he has achieved in that time. He doesn’t have to be a spectacular king as well. He has said himself that he is a ‘caretaker’ king and that is not a bad thing to be - holding things together for the ones that come after is an honourable calling imo, especially if it is done well. 

I agree that King Charles’s first concern has always been and will always be for himself. I think he is very self centred like that.

[emmashouldbewriting]

One thing that irritates to the depths of my core, is how the Sussex PR and Meghan especially never use any Royals title while they shout theirs in your face every chance they .

The late Queen = Harry’s grandmother

The King = Meghan’s father in law (latest People article) or Harry’s dad or their children’s grandfather

Queen Camilla = My father’s wife (from Harry)

Prince William = Harry’s brother

I find it so disrespectful, most of all when the late Queen would be referred to this way. The longest reigning British monarch and an iconic HoS at a time when women in politics wasn’t mainstream, just reduced to Harry’s grandmother at the end of her life.

narc 101: belittle those around you

[conhivemindcent]

So uh… the king of England has cancer.

Gonna be honest, I don’t care? Which sounds odd but if he does die there will be a lot of money spent on his funeral and then the next coronation and I don’t think that’s for the best with all the economic issues we have over here. Also I’ve never been a strong monarchist. I’m not wishing death on him, but I’ve never been a fan of wishing death on anyone even as a joke.

Plus even if he dies… he’s in his 70s. Like I think that’s a good time to go.

I will say though, if he does die without getting any money printed with him on it, it would be a bit funny. Also the irony of him dying not even a year into his reign while his mother was the longest serving British monarch.

But yeah if you ask me my thoughts, I’d say that I don’t really care too much. Yeah he’s my monarch, but I don’t really care.

[finerthingsblogs]

Top 10 Best Historical Coins for Collectors

The world of historical coin collecting is a fascinating intersection of art, history, and investment. Each coin carries with it the story of the era it represents, whether it's from ancient civilizations, significant historical events, or minted during the reign of great rulers. Collectors in the luxury niche appreciate historical coins not only for their beauty and rarity but also for their intrinsic value as pieces of world history. In this blog, we explore the top 10 best historical coins for collectors, delving into their backgrounds, rarity, and why they continue to captivate collectors.

1. Athenian Owl Tetradrachm (Circa 440 BC)

The Athenian Owl Tetradrachm is one of the most iconic coins from ancient Greece, recognized by its detailed depiction of an owl, the symbol of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Minted in silver, this coin was used as currency throughout the ancient Greek world and remains one of the most collectible ancient coins today. Collectors prize the Tetradrachm for its symbolism and craftsmanship. Its strong association with the golden age of Athens and its link to the birthplace of democracy make it a standout in any collection. Depending on its condition, an Athenian Owl Tetradrachm can fetch prices ranging from $1,000 to over $20,000.

2. Roman Denarius of Julius Caesar (Circa 44 BC)

Coins featuring Julius Caesar hold immense historical significance, particularly the Roman Denarius issued during his reign. This coin, minted just before his assassination in 44 BC, features a portrait of Caesar on one side and various Roman symbols on the reverse. It is one of the earliest examples of a living ruler being depicted on currency, marking a critical shift in Roman coinage. Collectors of ancient coins are drawn to the Roman Denarius for its rarity and its direct connection to one of history’s most famous figures. Prices for Julius Caesar Denarii vary but can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, especially for well-preserved pieces.

3. St. Gaudens Double Eagle (1907-1933)

The St. Gaudens Double Eagle is often regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Designed by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin features a striking depiction of Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch and an olive branch, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. These $20 gold coins were minted from 1907 to 1933, with certain rare editions, like the 1933 Double Eagle, becoming extremely valuable. One 1933 Double Eagle sold for over $7 million at auction, making it one of the most expensive coins in the world. Collectors appreciate the Double Eagle for its beauty, historical significance, and rarity.

4. Spanish 8 Escudo "Gold Doubloon" (Late 16th to 19th Century)

The Spanish 8 Escudo, also known as the "gold doubloon," is one of the most famous coins from the Age of Exploration. Minted in the Spanish colonies, these large gold coins were used extensively in trade and became synonymous with pirate treasure. Their historical connection to the Spanish Empire, the wealth of the New World, and the era of maritime exploration make them highly sought after by collectors. Gold doubloons are valued based on their condition, minting date, and rarity, with well-preserved examples selling for upwards of $10,000 or more.

5. British Gold Sovereign (1817-Present)

The British Gold Sovereign is one of the longest-running coinage series in history, with its roots stretching back to 1817. Featuring the profile of the reigning British monarch on one side and the iconic image of St. George slaying the dragon on the other, the gold sovereign has remained a symbol of British stability and power. Collectors are particularly interested in rare or early sovereigns, such as those minted during the reign of Queen Victoria or George III. While modern gold sovereigns are still produced today, the older and rarer ones can fetch thousands of dollars at auction, especially those from limited mintages or special issues.

6. Morgan Silver Dollar (1878-1904, 1921)

The Morgan Silver Dollar is an American classic and a favorite among coin collectors for its historical value and beautiful design. Minted during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it features a portrait of Lady Liberty on one side and an eagle on the reverse. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, this silver dollar is particularly prized for its large size, high silver content, and its place in American history during the post-Civil War era and the westward expansion. Collectors particularly seek rare mint marks, such as those from the Carson City Mint, with prices for these rarities reaching into the thousands.

7. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

Considered one of the most valuable American coins, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the first silver dollar ever struck by the United States Mint. The coin features a portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle surrounded by a wreath on the reverse. With fewer than 200 known to exist, this coin is exceedingly rare, and its historical significance makes it one of the most desirable coins for collectors. In 2013, a 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sold for a record-breaking $10 million, highlighting its value as a key piece of American numismatic history.

8. Ducat of the Dutch Republic (Late 16th to Early 18th Century)

The Dutch Ducat is one of the most famous gold coins from Europe, minted from the late 16th century through the early 18th century. It became widely accepted in international trade and is known for its high gold content and consistent quality. The ducat often featured a knight holding a sword and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing strength and unity. Collectors are drawn to these coins not only for their historical value but also for their connection to the Dutch Republic’s period of economic and military power. Prices for well-preserved Dutch ducats can range from $2,000 to $10,000.

9. Chinese Yuan Shih-kai Silver Dollar (1914-1928)

Also known as the "Fat Man" Dollar, the Chinese Yuan Shih-kai Silver Dollar is one of the most iconic coins from early 20th-century China. The coin features a portrait of Yuan Shih-kai, the first president of the Republic of China, making it a significant piece of Chinese history. These silver dollars were heavily circulated, but high-quality examples are becoming increasingly rare and valuable. Collectors of Asian coins appreciate the historical context of the Yuan Shih-kai dollar, and prices for these coins have steadily risen in recent years, with top-grade examples selling for thousands of dollars.

10. Constantine the Great Solidus (Circa 4th Century AD)

The Constantine the Great Solidus is one of the most valuable coins from the Roman Empire, minted during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD. This gold coin symbolizes the transition of Rome into a Christian empire and Constantine’s significant role in shaping European history. The solidus remained the standard for gold coinage in the Byzantine Empire for centuries, and collectors are drawn to its historical importance and the fact that many of these coins have survived in excellent condition. Prices for Constantine solidus coins can range from $5,000 to over $20,000, depending on their rarity and condition.

A spokesperson from Coveted, a premier platform for collectible connoisseurs, shared their thoughts on the allure of historical coins for collectors. “Coins are tangible pieces of history, each telling its own story of the time and place it was minted. From ancient Greek coins to American classics, collectors today are not just purchasing metal, they’re investing in history. At Coveted, we help connect collectors with rare and historically significant coins, ensuring that these treasures are passed down through generations. Owning a rare coin is like holding a piece of the past in your hands, and it’s a truly rewarding experience.”

[kostantina]

Hello, welcome to my blog!

Here, I write mostly about Holy Rome from Hetalia, and if you are curious about my thoughts on him, then feel free to message me or leave a comment on one of my posts :) I love talking about him, whether the young, old, or female him. But I personally love portraying him as older and female. Despite that, I write non-ship posts about HRE as male because it is his canon gender. I enjoy (Female/Male) HRE/HRE!Germany with different characters, either platonically, romantically, or both:

England - Hanoverian Dynasty - nominal vassalage

France - the Frankish Kingdom - "i wanted you to die, but now that you're dead i want you alive."

Papal States - Investiture Controversy - the sun and the moon - two swords- "YOu CanT DePoSED ME Im THe-"

Czechia - Kingdom of Bohemia - Prague - mistress/handmaiden trope -

America - golden pair - very powerful at such a young age - considered themselves heroes

Spain - "the empire where the sun never sets" of Charles V

Austria - Habsburg Dynasty - longest reigning monarch of the Holy Roman Empire

Prussia - a German hospital and military order - Brandenburg-Prussia

Portugal - a friend of a friend who is maybe in love

Hungary - women with princes in distress to save ⚔

Romano - Kingdom of Sicily - Stupor Mundi

Ottoman Empire - insert Reichskrieg DVD

Italy - first love dies or never dies

Saxony - Ottonian Dynasty - East Francia

Bavaria - "BIG BROTHER CHAMPIONSHIP"

Francia - Carolingian Dynasty - father and child

Hanover - divided loyalty (Half British, Half German)

Hesse - New World's traveling partners

Talking about the "HRE is Germany theory," I think Hima leans towards this theory more than not, but I hope that he would remain vague about it to please everyone. Personally, I don't want him to be Germany in canon because the Holy Roman Empire had historical differences with Germany that I feel would be overshadowed if the two ended up being the same person. I also have my own interpretation of the character, which does not align with how I interpret Germany. But I deeply deeply love using the theory for narrative purposes, and I think HRE!Germany without amnesia would be different than with.

P.S. I reblog other content than Hetalia.

[mariacallous]

No superlative was spared when construction of the British Embassy to the United States was completed in 1930. It was a “home fit for a king,” as the Washington Post put it, designed to echo the intimidating elegance of an English country manor.

If the original embassy, which now serves as the ambassador’s residence, captures the sort of high-glamor diplomacy that Netflix would approve of, then the chancellery building next door—all concrete colonnades and flimsy windows—evokes a British state school from the 1960s.

As I wait in the lobby for my escort to meet with Ambassador Karen Pierce, two young British soldiers in uniform mill around the room. “I thought it would be more glamorous,” I hear one of them say to the other. Then I’m whisked through a corridor to the ambassador’s office, lined with portraits of her predecessors dating back to the late 18th century. All of them are men.

In the high stakes world of diplomacy, a Washington posting is the equivalent of competing in the Olympic Games: reserved for only the most limber of envoys. The British ambassador to the United States is the equivalent rank to a four-star general, the only one of its kind in the British foreign service. Since taking up the position in early 2020 during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pierce has served as a steady hand in Washington amid a churn of prime ministers, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the death of the U.K’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

The ambassador’s airy study is dotted with artifacts gathered during Pierce’s 41 years with the foreign office. A vast collection of fridge magnets, more than 20 years in the making, stretches several feet up the wall. “The tackier the better,” she says.

A self-professed “total girl” with a passion for military hardware, Pierce has perched a model of a fighter jet and a limited edition British Barbie in a trench coat behind her desk.

Affable and fiercely intelligent, Pierce is at ease around journalists. (A briefing book diligently prepared by her staff goes untouched during our conversation.) We met in October, shortly after Hamas’s rampage in southern Israel, which shattered assumptions about the Middle East and plunged the region into war once again.

After a disorienting few years marked by the pandemic and the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it’s difficult to discern whether the world is indeed becoming a more volatile place, as it often seems—or whether the ubiquity of smartphones and social media has amplified the sense of urgency. If anyone would know the answer, it’s Pierce.

“I do think there’s something different about this first quarter of the 21st century because of the nature of the problems,” Pierce says. The “big global problems,” as she puts it—climate change, migration, and global public health—were always going to be there. But they have been exacerbated, she says, by wars and the pandemic, while the international community’s response is increasingly complicated by the rapid pace of technological change. Not to mention Russia’s and China’s hopes of flipping the global chessboard in its entirety. “When you put all that together, that’s a lot to wade through,” she concedes.

Still, moments of upheaval such as this one are what define a career in diplomacy. “They’re kind of what you join the foreign service to be involved in, which sounds a bit gruesome,” Pierce says. “I wanted to have a part, however small, in the management of international affairs.”

Pierce has had a hand in shaping the United Kingdom’s response to some of the biggest foreign-policy crises of recent decades, from negotiating peace terms in the Balkans, to the reconstruction of Afghanistan’s economy, to helping marshal a trans-Atlantic response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Statecraft involves delicate finesse. It also requires stamina, which must be why Pierce often speaks about diplomacy in sporting terms; it is, she says, a “contact sport.”

Pierce arrived in New York City as the British ambassador to the United Nations in 2018, shortly after Russian security agents poisoned a former spy, Sergei Skripal, on British soil. It fell to Pierce to confront the Russians at the Security Council, where she developed a reputation for her gladiatorial sparring matches with her Russian counterpart, Vasily Nebenzya.

In a particularly memorable exchange, Nebenzya likened the accusations leveled against Moscow to the trial scene in the book Alice in Wonderland, during which the Queen of Hearts demands that the sentence be handed down before the verdict. Pierce fired back with her own quote from the Lewis Carroll novel: “There is another very good quote from Alice in Wonderland, which is ‘sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast,’ so I think that’s the quote that suits my Russian colleague best.”

“All the adrenaline comes, and I don’t like being beaten,” she says briskly of these high stakes interactions. “I don’t do sports, but this is the equivalent of running.”

Pierce has negotiated with Russian diplomats for decades, dating back to the waning days of the Cold War. Before the invasion of Ukraine, Western diplomats often remarked on the professionalism of the Russian diplomatic corps, describing its members as well-briefed and staunch defenders of their national interests who value a worthy opponent.

“They respect enemies—adversaries—who are tough and stand up to them,” Pierce says.

Despite their acerbic exchanges at the Security Council, Pierce and the Russian ambassador to the United Nations were able to maintain a working relationship on areas of mutual interest, such as the Iran nuclear deal, which former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018. That all changed following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year.

“Now the Russians have just decided to double down on being difficult and disruptive, and you can get less and less done,” Pierce says.

Pierce was the first woman to take up the United Kingdom’s seat at the U.N. Security Council, and is likely the first person to do so wearing a feather boa. In hard-nosed diplomacy at the U.N., some countries have been known to use misogyny as a negotiating tactic to try to disorient women diplomats, including by talking over them, dismissing them, or ignoring them altogether.

“A favorite one is not to use women’s [diplomatic] titles,” Pierce says. “But because I like to win, it doesn’t have the effect on me that they want it to have. It has the opposite effect.”

Growing up in Preston, a small city in northwest England, Pierce credits a photograph in the Sunday Times magazine—which showed the U.S. consul to Nice, Eleanor Hicks, stepping aboard an aircraft carrier in southern France—as her inspiration to join the foreign office. It seems to have been as much the aircraft carrier as it was the glamor of the scene that caught the eye of a young Pierce. “I’ve always liked military hardware,” she says.

In her many decades with the foreign office, Pierce has seen the fallout of some of the most unspeakable atrocities, including the massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica during the Bosnian War and Myanmar’s violent purge of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims.

In spite of it all, she has long described herself as an optimist. “I think if you’re not an optimist, then what are you going to get up and do the next day? You have to believe a way through could be found,” she says. “For me, it’s tied up with problem-solving.”

Even in situations where predictions are dire, Pierce says, “we can do something about it, even if it’s only a small thing. And that might change the dynamic, and then that gives you something to build on.”

[frnwhcom]

The Life and Times of Queen Elizabeth II: An Era of Transition and the Future of the British Monarchy

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch in history, ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, and her reign lasted until her death on September 8, 2022. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor on April 21, 1926, her life and reign encapsulated a period of extraordinary change both within the United Kingdom and across the globe. Her tenure saw the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War, the dawn of the digital age, and significant shifts in social norms and values. As the figurehead of the UK and 15 other Commonwealth realms, her consistent presence provided a sense of continuity amidst these vast changes. Early Life and Ascension Elizabeth was not born as the direct heir apparent to the throne; her destiny changed with the abdication of her uncle, King Edward VIII, in 1936, which made her father the king and her the next in line. Educated privately at home and serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II, Elizabeth's early life was a blend of royal duty and service to her country. Her marriage to Philip Mountbatten in 1947 was a union that lasted 73 years, until his death in 2021, and played a central role in her life and reign. Together, they had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward, whose lives and activities have also been closely followed by the public. Reign and Legacy Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II navigated the monarchy through times of both turbulence and triumph. She worked with 15 UK Prime Ministers, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, and met with numerous world leaders, influencing diplomatic relations through her engagements. Her reign was marked by a dedication to public service, with countless engagements, state visits, and ceremonial duties performed with unwavering commitment. Elizabeth's ability to adapt the monarchy to the times without sacrificing its traditions was among her most notable achievements. She embraced television and the internet to connect with the public, including the annual Christmas broadcast, which became a significant aspect of her communication with the Commonwealth and the world. Death and Transition The death of Queen Elizabeth II marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the British monarchy. Her son, Charles, succeeded her as King Charles III, bringing to the throne a different perspective shaped by years of advocacy on environmental, social, and architectural issues. The Future Monarchy King Charles III faces the challenge of leading a monarchy in a modern, more questioning world. With debates surrounding the monarchy's funding, its role in society, and the relevance of the Commonwealth in the 21st century, his reign is poised to be one of adaptation and potential transformation. Charles has indicated a desire to streamline the monarchy and focus on sustainability and social issues, which could redefine the royal family's role in British society and beyond. The transition also raises questions about the monarchy's place in the UK and its relevance to younger generations. While the monarchy has historically enjoyed strong support, changing demographics and societal values suggest that its future role may need to evolve. The life and times of Queen Elizabeth II represented a bridge between centuries, embodying tradition while facing forward. As the British monarchy enters a new era under King Charles III, it stands at a crossroads between its historical legacy and the demands of a changing world. How this institution adapts will likely define its relevance and survival in the years to come, continuing a story that has fascinated and engaged people around the globe for more than a millennium. Read the full article

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022.

She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states over the course of her lifetime and remained the monarch of 15 realms by the time of her death.

Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch or female monarch, and the second-longest verified reign of any monarch of a sovereign state in history.

—

"Greatly loved, deeply missed."

8 September 2024

🤍🕯️🤍

[sassyfrassboss]

ngl my theory has always been that they were going to announce that were going to be on the balcony and that they looked forward to being able to celebrate the longest-reigning monarch in British history. in line with what they dropped about the wreath at PP funeral, it would have been tacky as hell. But they wanted to play the victim, but "working royals" played a giant part in taking the wind out of their sails. They aren't working royals and they admitted it in their statement.

I loved how the news of them giving a wreath was right about the time that everyone noticed the card on the wreath on top of the coffin. People were assuming that it was from H&M. Really? The Queen is going to put that wreath and a card from them on top of PP's coffin?

I could tell that it the news they weren't going on the balcony during TTC burned them because Omid was up in arms about it...he was even posted something about the Jubilee balcony appearance and it could be all family. That tells you how much that balcony means to them.