The world is in shock over the death of England’s beloved, long-reigning Queen Elizabeth II. Confirmed by the royal family’s official Twitter account, Queen Elizabeth died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96. She reigned as a steady fixture for 70 years alongside 15 different prime ministers, meeting 13 US presidents during her tenure.
As the world collectively mourns her death, we want to revisit the iconic matriarch’s most regal moments during her 70-year reign. From her wedding to Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey in 1947 and the embraces she frequently bestowed on former First Lady Michelle Obama to her powerful presence at the State Opening of Parliament and her complete respect and attention at Commonwealth Realm receptions, there are almost too many regal moments to make note of during her seven-decade rule.
In honor of her extraordinary life and historic reign, read on for Queen Elizabeth II’s most majestic, monumental, and inspiring moments as Queen of England.
Queen Elizabeth’s First Royal Portrait (1952)
Queen Elizabeth had her first royal portrait taken in 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI. She looked stoic in her gilded crown, diamond-crusted necklace, and elegant ballgown.
Captured in Carriage (1952)
Cameras captured Queen Elizabeth on her way to her first State Opening of Parliament as monarch in 1952. She looked slightly breathless, but ready to take on her role.
From Princess to Queen (1953)
In a scene of stunning regalia, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip sit in the wildly ornate coronation coach, soon on their way to Her Majesty’s crowning at Westminster Abbey.
Officially Queen (1953)
Queen Elizabeth, wearing the Imperial State Crown and carrying the Orb, is captured arriving at Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey after her coronation ceremony. She was dressed in full royal regalia for the momentous occasion.
Coronation Day (1953)
The newly crowned Queen Elizabeth, alongside Prince Philip, jovially waved to cheering crowds on the day of their coronation in 1953.
The Queen & Her Prime Minister (1953)
Balancing her roles as mom and ruler, Queen Elizabeth chatted with Sir Winston Churchill, then Prime Minister, with Prince Charles and Princess Anne looking rather distracted at her side. The Queen looked regal in her fur-collared coat, gloves, and fascinator.
The Princess & The Queen (1954)
Her Majesty the Queen enjoyed a magnificent evening at Tivoli Theater with Princess Margaret in 1954. The Duke of Edinburgh attended as well, socializing with other esteemed guests.
Prim but Powerful (1956)
During her 1956 Commonwealth Tour, Queen Elizabeth II inspected the men of the newly-renamed Queen’s Own Nigeria Regiment, Royal West African Frontier Force, at the Kaduna Airport in Nigeria. She looked dainty and prim in her feminine attire, but she took command of her ruling role.
Magnificent Monarch (1957)
Queen Elizabeth posed for an updated royal portrait in 1957, four years following her taking the throne. She looked resplendent in a heavily-jeweled crown with additional precious stones around her neck, again wearing an elegantly patterned ballgown fit for Her Majesty.
A Confident Queen (1958)
Queen Elizabeth posed for her 1958 portrait at home in Buckingham Palace. While she looked wide-eyed and exhilarated during the first few years of her reign, her body language and facial expressions were beginning to look more comfortable and relaxed as she climbed toward her first full decade in power.
Keeping Up With the Kennedys (1961)
In 1961, Queen Elizabeth held a banquet at Buckingham Palace in honor of President John F. Kennedy. The two world leaders posed for a photo with their spouses, Prince Philip and First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
The Picture of Power (1966)
It doesn’t get much more regal than sitting on a centuries-old throne made of gold while wearing one of the most intricate crowns to ever grace the earth. Queen Elizabeth looked on from her gilded seat during the 1966 State Opening of Parliament with a reserved, if not somewhat removed, expression.
Reigning in Robe (1968)
Wrapped in the Star of the Order, which bears the motto ‘Auspicium Melioris Aevi,’ Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip rode to a service for the Order of St. Michael and St. George at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1968. Her Majesty matched her royal blue cape with a diamond and sapphire-crusted crown.
Dripping in Diamonds (1976)
In the United States for a state banquet, Queen Elizabeth was absolutely decked out in diamonds for the Americans. Her jewelry was just as magnificent as her role as a world leader.
Dancing With the President (1976)
During the 1976 Bicentennial Celebrations of the Declaration of Independence, Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a friendly foray on the dance floor with President Gerald Ford. She looked stunning in a glittering tiara, honey-colored gown, and diamond jewelry.
Silver Jubilee Smiles (1977)
Queen Elizabeth beamed brilliantly at a Royal Gala performance during her Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977. She looked radiant in a rubies-and-cream-themed ensemble.
Settled in as Sovereign (1987)
After nearly 40 years of serving as Queen, Her Majesty posed for a fresh portrait, this time in the Green Room at Windsor Castle. She of course looked extremely elegant, with her diamond-crusted crown and necklace having a mirror-like effect.
Poised & Powerful (1987)
Prince Philip joined The Queen in the Green Room for a couples portrait — the pair looked poised and in power.
Fashionable in France (1992)
During a visit to France in 1992, Queen Elizabeth wore a monochromatic pink and mauve-toned ensemble — a look that was pretty bold, by her standards. As The Queen aged, she seemed to have more fun with fashion while maintaining her regal presence.
Shining in the State Diadem (2002)
Arriving at the Palace Of Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament, The Queen looked on at her audience with a powerful presence. She wore the State Diadem, a diamond crown made for the coronation of George IV.
Our Guiding Light (2004)
Looking lovely as ever, The Queen was captured by a photographer as she rode by in carriage on her way to another State Opening of Parliament ceremony. The sharp contrast between her bright figure and Prince Philip’s shadowy silhouette offers a visual narrative of the royal couple’s oftentimes tumultuous power dynamic.
Gilded in Giggles (2005)
While Queen Elizabeth struggled to hold back giggles at the sight of Prince Philip standing to attention in his uniform and bearskin hat, it’s undeniable that they both look regal in their own right.
Jolly at the Golden Jubilee (2002)
Celebrating her Golden Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip rode in an open-top car on their way to watch a parade, smiling and waving at crowds gathered in their honor along the way.
Celebrating 60 Years (2007)
Photographed for their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2007, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip revisited the Broadlands, where they spent their wedding night in 1947. They looked stately with the beautiful residence sprawling behind them.
Doing Her Duty (2014)
Queen Elizabeth took her role as the UK’s ruler incredibly seriously, and you could always find her presiding over a State Opening of Parliament. In 2014, she sat with Prince Philip in their intricate thrones with that mesmerizing crown atop her head.
Cheers at the Trooping of Colour (2016)
Standing alongside the future king, Prince William, and his wife and children, Duchess Kate, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George, The Queen looked elated. The family stood on the balcony during the 2016 Trooping the Colour, that year marking Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. She made 90 look as fabulous as ever in a playful yet still regal lime green ensemble.
A Patron of the People (2016)
In a photo that’s overflowing with regal splendor, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip waved to crowds gathered for The Patron’s Lunch celebrations in honor of The Queen’s 90th birthday. From Buckingham Palace looming large in the background and the streets absolutely bursting with people to the luxury Range Rover that the royal couple greeted fans from, the scene is one of ostentatious, breathtaking regality.
Greeting Guests at a Diplomatic Corps Reception (2019)
Looking elegant as ever and dripping in her signature jewels, Queen Elizabeth socialized with guests at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace.
Back Home at Balmoral (2021)
Flanked by The Royal Regiment of Scotland at the gates of Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth moved to her summer residence in 2021, where she would spend the majority of her remaining days.
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