Queen Elizabeth's biggest moments, from ascending the throne to an assassination attempt
For almost 70 years Queen Elizabeth has ruled the United Kingdom. Here are some of her biggest moments.
Don’t expect Queen Elizabeth II to leave the throne anytime soon.
Recently, palace insiders told royal expert and Vanity Fair correspondent Katie Nicholl that the reigning monarch, 94, would “never abdicate” because “it is simply not in her DNA to abandon her people or duty.”
Rumors have been spreading that the British royal was planning to step down next year. Her eldest son Prince Charles, 72, is next in line to the throne, followed by his son Prince William, 38.
According to the outlet, Buckingham Palace’s culture secretary Oliver Dowden has announced details of a four-day “blockbuster weekend of celebrations” to celebrate Elizabeth’s 70-year reign in 2022, squashing any gossip pertaining to abdication.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II stands after signing a visitor's book during her visit to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down science park on October 15, 2020, near Salisbury, England. (Photo by Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“As a young woman she vowed to serve until her death and that is what she plans to do,” a source told the outlet. “She would never abdicate -- to her, it is a dirty word never to be uttered in her presence.”
Elizabeth’s biographer Sally Bedell Smith agreed with the statement.
“Her Majesty will most assuredly not step down when she turns 95 in April 2021, although with the Platinum Jubliee to follow in 2022, she’ll likely want to celebrate her birthday with minimum fuss,” she explained. “Unless she becomes incapacitated mentally or physically (which would trigger the Regency Act), she will remain queen until her death.”
The outlet noted Elizabeth has only been seen twice in public since the lockdown in spring due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, she keeps busy by hosting state visits and carrying out domestic engagements.
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The Platinum Jubilee will also be the first time any British monarch has reached the historic milestone.
Prince Charles is next in line to the British throne. (Getty Images)
“The Platinum Jubliee offers an opportunity for the Queen to express her thanks for the support and loyalty Her Majesty has received throughout her reign,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman explained. “The Queen hopes that as many people as possible will have the opportunity to join the celebrations.”
According to the outlet, royal biographer Robert Jobson originally made the claim to True Royalty TV that Elizabeth, who is Britain’s longest-running monarch, would announce her retirement next year.
“I still firmly believe when the queen becomes 95, that she will step down,” he claimed.
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Jobson also alleged in his book, “Charles at Seventy,” that anonymous palace officials claimed that Elizabeth could stand aside when she turns 95, giving Charles power to reign in her place. However, Clarence House, the official London residence for Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, denied any allegations that Charles’ official role would change once Elizabeth turns 95.
In addition, Buckingham Palace sources insisted to Nicholl that Elizabeth “who is in robust health… is looking forward to a national celebration in 2022.”
Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh waving to a crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London shortly after their wedding at Westminster Abbey in 1947. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
Elizabeth’s uncle, King Edward VIII, originally gave up the throne in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. That move forced her father, King George VI, onto the throne.
George passed away in 1952 at age 56 after battling a long illness. Elizabeth was crowned queen in 1953 at age 27.
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