Happy Platinum Jubilee: The Long Reign of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning British monarch in history and the second longest reigning monarch in the world. Prior to her passing on Sept. 8, 2022, she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee on Feb. 6, 2022. In her 70 years and 214 days in office, she saw 15 Prime Ministers and became the first head of state to open two olympic games – the 1976 Montreal Games and the 2012 London Games. She also became the first British monarch to visit the Russian Federation in 1994.

Despite Queen Elizabeth II’s reputation as the longest reigning monarch in British history, she was only two years shy of snatching the crown of longest reigning monarch from King Louis XIV of France, who ruled for 72 years. Other monarchs who made the list include King Bhuhimbol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years and 126 days, Liechtenstein’s Johann II for 70 years and 90 days, Modern day Mexico’s K’inich Janaab Pakal for 68 years and 33 days, and finally, Austria’s Franz Joseph I for 67 years and 355 days. Most of these reigns were long for good reason, as seen in Queen Elizabeth II’s exceptional skill in diplomacy and King Louis XIV’s active participation as a monarch. However, not all these reigns were free from conflict. King Bhuhimbol achieved his position as monarch of Thailand after his brother King Ananda Mahidol was killed from a gunshot wound to the head. His brother’s death was initially ruled as a suicide but was later found that the king’s ex-secretary and two underlings were guilty for his murder.

Although monarchies in theory are beneficial, not all monarchs were beneficial to their subjects. With many scandals and abuses during the reigns of many monarchs, many monarchies were dissolved into mere figureheads or removed from the throne entirely. The monarchy no longer holds as much power as they did centuries ago. As a result, many monarchs must find their use through other means. Queen Elizabeth II was a prime example of this, becoming a beloved figure in British culture. She was, in essence, a symbol of Britain itself. She sponsored nearly 600 charities and organizations in her 70-year reign and remained constant through decades of a waning British image on the world stage.

“The best reason why Monarchy is a strong government is, that it is an intelligible government. The mass of mankind understands it, and they hardly anywhere in the world understand any other,” Walter Bagehot, a British journalist stated.