Elizabeth II Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.Anti-spam check. Do not fill this in! == Reign == === Accession and coronation === {{Main|Coronation of Elizabeth II}} [[File:Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation Day.jpg|thumb|alt=Elizabeth is seated and holds an orb and sceptre.|Coronation portrait by [[Cecil Beaton]], 1953]] As George VI's health declined during 1951, Elizabeth frequently stood in for him at public events. When she visited Canada and [[Harry S. Truman]] in Washington, DC, in October 1951, her private secretary [[Martin Charteris]] carried a draft accession declaration in case the King died while she was on tour.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=240–241|Lacey|2002|2p=166|Pimlott|2001|3pp=169–172}} In early 1952, Elizabeth and Philip set out for a tour of Australia and New Zealand by way of the British colony of [[Kenya Colony|Kenya]]. On 6 February, they had just returned to their Kenyan home, [[Sagana Lodge]], after a night spent at [[Treetops Hotel]], when word arrived of [[Death and state funeral of George VI|the death]] of Elizabeth's father. Philip broke the news to the new queen.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=245–247|Lacey|2002|2p=166|Pimlott|2001|3pp=173–176|Shawcross|2002|4p=16}} She chose to retain Elizabeth as her regnal name,{{Sfnm|ps=none|1a1=Bousfield|1a2=Toffoli|1y=2002|1p=72|Bradford|2002|2p=166|Pimlott|2001|3p=179|Shawcross|2002|4p=17}} and was therefore called Elizabeth II. The numeral offended some Scots, as she was the first Elizabeth to rule in Scotland.{{Sfn|ps=none|Mitchell|2003|page=113}} She was [[Proclamation of accession of Elizabeth II|proclaimed queen]] throughout her realms, and the royal party hastily returned to the United Kingdom.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=178–179}} Elizabeth and Philip moved into Buckingham Palace.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=186–187}} With Elizabeth's accession, it seemed possible that the [[royal house]] would take her husband's name, in line with the custom for married women of the time. Lord Mountbatten advocated for ''House of Mountbatten'', and Philip suggested ''House of Edinburgh'', after his ducal title.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Soames |first=Emma |author-link=Emma Soames |date=1 June 2012 |title=Emma Soames: As Churchills we're proud to do our duty |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9305749/Emma-Soames-As-Churchills-were-proud-to-do-our-duty.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602100737/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9305749/Emma-Soames-As-Churchills-were-proud-to-do-our-duty.html |archive-date=2 June 2012 |access-date=12 March 2019 |work=The Telegraph |location=London |mode=cs2}}</ref> The British prime minister, Winston Churchill, and Elizabeth's grandmother Queen Mary favoured the retention of the [[House of Windsor]]. Elizabeth issued a declaration on 9 April 1952 that the royal house would continue to be ''Windsor''. Philip complained, "I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his own children."{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=80|Brandreth|2004|2pp=253–254|Lacey|2002|3pp=172–173|Pimlott|2001|4pp=183–185}} In 1960, the surname ''[[Mountbatten-Windsor]]'' was adopted for Philip and Elizabeth's male-line descendants who do not carry royal titles.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=297–298}}<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=41948 |date=5 February 1960 |page=1003 |supp=y |nolink=y |mode=cs2}}</ref> Amid preparations for the coronation, Princess Margaret told her sister she wished to marry [[Peter Townsend (RAF officer)|Peter Townsend]], a divorcé 16 years Margaret's senior with two sons from his previous marriage. Elizabeth asked them to wait for a year; in the words of her [[Private Secretary to the Sovereign|private secretary]], "the Queen was naturally sympathetic towards the Princess, but I think she thought—she hoped—given time, the affair would peter out."{{Sfn|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|pp=269–271}} Senior politicians were against the match and the [[Church of England]] did not permit [[remarriage]] after divorce. If Margaret had contracted a [[civil marriage]], she would have been expected to renounce her [[right of succession]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=269–271|Lacey|2002|2pp=193–194|Pimlott|2001|3pp=201, 236–238}} Margaret decided to abandon her plans with Townsend.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=22|Brandreth|2004|2p=271|Lacey|2002|3p=194|Pimlott|2001|4p=238|Shawcross|2002|5p=146}} In 1960, she married [[Antony Armstrong-Jones]], who was created [[Earl of Snowdon]] the following year. They divorced in 1978; Margaret did not remarry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Princess Margaret: Marriage and family |url=https://www.royal.gov.uk/HistoryoftheMonarchy/The%20House%20of%20Windsor%20from%201952/HRHPrincessMargaret/Marriageandfamily.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106225052/https://www.royal.gov.uk/HistoryoftheMonarchy/The%20House%20of%20Windsor%20from%201952/HRHPrincessMargaret/Marriageandfamily.aspx |archive-date=6 November 2011 |access-date=8 September 2011 |publisher=Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> Despite [[Death and funeral of Mary of Teck|Queen Mary's death]] on 24 March 1953, the coronation went ahead as planned on 2 June, as Mary had requested.{{Sfn|ps=none|Bradford|2012|p=82}} The coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey was televised for the first time, with the exception of the [[anointing]] and [[Eucharist|communion]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2003 |title=50 facts about The Queen's Coronation |url=https://www.royal.uk/50-facts-about-queens-coronation-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207234935/https://www.royal.uk/50-facts-about-queens-coronation-0 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |access-date=18 April 2016 |publisher=Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref>{{Efn|name=television|Television coverage of the coronation was instrumental in boosting the medium's popularity; the number of [[television licences in the United Kingdom]] doubled to 3{{Spaces}}million,{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=207}} and many of the more than 20{{Spaces}}million British viewers watched television for the first time in the homes of their friends or neighbours.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Briggs|1995|1pp=420 {{Wikt-lang|en|ff.}}|Pimlott|2001|2p=207|Roberts|2000|3p=82}} In North America, almost 100{{Spaces}}million viewers watched recorded broadcasts.{{Sfn|ps=none|Lacey|2002|p=182}}}} On Elizabeth's instruction, [[Coronation gown of Elizabeth II|her coronation gown]] was embroidered with the [[floral emblem]]s of Commonwealth countries.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1p=190|Pimlott|2001|2pp=247–248}} === Early reign === {{Further|Commonwealth realm#From the accession of Elizabeth II}} [[File:British Empire in February 1952.png|thumb|upright=1.3|[[List of sovereign states headed by Elizabeth II|Elizabeth's realms]] and their territories and [[British protectorate|protectorates]] at the beginning of her reign in 1952: {{legend|#ff0000|United Kingdom}} {{legend|#800000|Colonies, protectorates and mandates}} {{legend|#ff80c0|Dominions/realms}}]] From Elizabeth's birth onwards, the [[British Empire]] continued its transformation into the [[Commonwealth of Nations]].{{Sfn|ps=none|Marr|2011|p=272}} By the time of her accession in 1952, her role as head of multiple independent states was already established.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=182}} In 1953, Elizabeth and her husband embarked on a seven-month round-the-world tour, visiting 13 countries and covering more than {{Convert|40000|mi|km}} by land, sea and air.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen |url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/gifts-to-the-queen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301123708/https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/gifts-to-the-queen |archive-date=1 March 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |publisher=[[Royal Collection Trust]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> She became the first reigning [[monarch of Australia]] and [[Monarchy of New Zealand|New Zealand]] to visit those nations.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite web |date=13 October 2015 |title=Australia: Royal visits |url=https://www.royal.uk/australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201044226/https://www.royal.uk/australia |archive-date=1 February 2019 |access-date=18 April 2016 |publisher=Royal Household |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Vallance |first=Adam |date=22 December 2015 |title=New Zealand: Royal visits |work=The Royal Family |publisher=Royal Household |url=https://www.royal.uk/new-zealand |url-status=live |access-date=18 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322052936/https://www.royal.uk/new-zealand |archive-date=22 March 2019 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Marr|2011|p=126}}}}</ref> During the tour, crowds were immense; three-quarters of the population of Australia were estimated to have seen her.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=278|Marr|2011|2p=126|Pimlott|2001|3p=224|Shawcross|2002|4p=59}} Throughout her reign, Elizabeth made hundreds of [[List of state visits made by Elizabeth II|state visits]] to other countries and [[List of Commonwealth visits made by Elizabeth II|tours of the Commonwealth]]; she was the most widely travelled [[head of state]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Sophie |date=11 May 2012 |title=Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Sixty years of royal tours |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/Queens-Diamond-Jubilee-sixty-years-of-royal-tours |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/ZsXhc |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=20 February 2016 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> In 1956, the British and French prime ministers, [[Sir Anthony Eden]] and [[Guy Mollet]], discussed the possibility of France joining the Commonwealth. The proposal was never accepted, and the following year France signed the [[Treaty of Rome]], which established the [[European Economic Community]], the precursor to the [[European Union]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomson |first=Mike |date=15 January 2007 |title=When Britain and France nearly married |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6261885.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123072141/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6261885.stm |archive-date=23 January 2009 |access-date=14 December 2009 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In November 1956, Britain and France [[Suez Crisis|invaded Egypt]] in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to capture the [[Suez Canal]]. Lord Mountbatten said Elizabeth was opposed to the invasion, though Eden denied it. Eden resigned two months later.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|1p=255|Roberts|2000|2p=84}} [[File:Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth Nations, at Windsor Castle (1960 Commonwealth Prime Minister's Conference).jpg|thumb|left|alt=A formal group of Elizabeth in tiara and evening dress with eleven politicians in evening dress or national costume|With Commonwealth leaders, at the 1960 [[Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference|Commonwealth Conference]]]] The governing [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] had no formal mechanism for choosing a leader, meaning that it fell to Elizabeth to decide whom to [[Kissing hands|commission to form a government]] following Eden's resignation. Eden recommended she consult [[Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 5th Marquess of Salisbury|Lord Salisbury]], the [[lord president of the council]]. Lord Salisbury and [[Lord Kilmuir]], the [[lord chancellor]], consulted the [[British Cabinet]], Churchill, and the chairman of the backbench [[1922 Committee]], resulting in Elizabeth appointing their recommended candidate: [[Harold Macmillan]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Marr|2011|1pp=175–176|Pimlott|2001|2pp=256–260|Roberts|2000|3p=84}} The Suez crisis and the choice of Eden's successor led, in 1957, to the first major personal criticism of Elizabeth. In a magazine, which he owned and edited,{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1p=199|Shawcross|2002|2p=75}} [[John Grigg|Lord Altrincham]] accused her of being "out of touch".<ref>{{Multiref| Altrincham in ''[[National Review (London)|National Review]]'', quoted by | {{Harvnb|Brandreth|2004|p=374}}; {{Harvnb|Roberts|2000|p=83}}}}</ref> Altrincham was denounced by public figures and slapped by a member of the public appalled by his comments.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=374|Pimlott|2001|2pp=280–281|Shawcross|2002|3p=76}} Six years later, in 1963, Macmillan resigned and advised Elizabeth to appoint [[Alec Douglas-Home]] as the prime minister, advice she followed.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hardman|2011|1p=22|Pimlott|2001|2pp=324–335|Roberts|2000|3p=84}} Elizabeth again came under criticism for appointing the prime minister on the advice of a small number of ministers or a single minister.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hardman|2011|1p=22|Pimlott|2001|2pp=324–335|Roberts|2000|3p=84}} In 1965, the Conservatives adopted a formal mechanism for electing a leader, thus relieving the Queen of her involvement.{{Sfn|ps=none|Roberts|2000|p=84}} [[File:Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip sit on thrones before a full Parliament.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|With Philip, seated on thrones at the [[Canadian parliament]], 1957]] In 1957, Elizabeth made a state visit to the United States, where she addressed the [[United Nations General Assembly]] on behalf of the Commonwealth. On the same tour, she opened the [[23rd Canadian Parliament]], becoming the first [[monarch of Canada]] to open a parliamentary session.<ref name="Canada">{{Cite web |title=Queen and Canada: Royal visits |url=https://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/Canada/Royalvisits.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504150511/https://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/Canada/Royalvisits.aspx |archive-date=4 May 2010 |access-date=12 February 2012 |publisher=Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> Two years later, solely in her capacity as Queen of Canada, she revisited the United States and toured Canada.<ref name="Canada" />{{Sfn|ps=none|Bradford|2012|p=114}} In 1961, she toured Cyprus, India, Pakistan, [[Kingdom of Nepal|Nepal]], and [[Pahlavi Iran|Iran]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|1p=303|Shawcross|2002|2p=83}} On a visit to Ghana the same year, she dismissed fears for her safety, even though her host, President [[Kwame Nkrumah]], who had replaced her as head of state, was a target for assassins.{{Sfn|ps=none|Macmillan|1972|pp=466–472}} Harold Macmillan wrote, "The Queen has been absolutely determined all through ... She is impatient of the attitude towards her to treat her as ... a film star ... She has indeed '[[Speech to the Troops at Tilbury|the heart and stomach of a man]]' ... She loves her duty and means to be a Queen."{{Sfn|ps=none|Macmillan|1972|pp=466–472}} Before her tour through parts of [[Quebec]] in 1964, the press reported extremists within the [[Quebec separatist movement]] were plotting Elizabeth's assassination.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dubois |first=Paul |date=12 October 1964 |title=Demonstrations Mar Quebec Events Saturday |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19641012&id=3K4tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YZ8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=6599,2340498 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123163032/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19641012&id=3K4tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YZ8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=6599,2340498 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |access-date=6 March 2010 |work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]] |page=1 |mode=cs2}}</ref> No attempt was made, but a riot did break out while she was in [[Montreal]]; her "calmness and courage in the face of the violence" was noted.{{Sfn|ps=none|Bousfield|Toffoli|2002|p=139}} Elizabeth gave birth to her third child, [[Prince Andrew]], in February 1960, which was the first birth to a reigning British monarch since 1857.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 September 2017 |title=Royal Family tree and line of succession |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-23272491 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311001051/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-23272491 |archive-date=11 March 2021 |access-date=13 May 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Her fourth child, [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|Prince Edward]], was born in March 1964.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=43268 |date=11 March 1964 |page=2255 |nolink=y |mode=cs2}}</ref> === Political reforms and crises === {{Multiple image|total_width=400|align= right |direction= horizontal |image1=Elizabeth II in Queensland, Australia, 1970.jpg |alt1=Elizabeth waving from a car |caption1=In [[Queensland]], Australia, 1970 |image2=Stevan Kragujevic, Elizabeth II i Josip Broz Tito,1972, u Beogradu.jpg |alt2= |caption2=With [[President Tito]] of [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] in Belgrade, 1972 }} The 1960s and 1970s saw an acceleration in the [[decolonisation of Africa]] and the Caribbean. More than 20 countries gained independence from Britain as part of a planned transition to self-government. In 1965, however, the Rhodesian prime minister, [[Ian Smith]], in opposition to moves towards [[majority rule]], [[Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence|unilaterally declared independence]] while expressing "loyalty and devotion" to Elizabeth, declaring her "[[Queen of Rhodesia]]".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Kate |author-link=Kate Williams (historian) |date=18 August 2019 |title=As The Crown returns, watch out for these milestones |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/aug/18/tv-show-the-crown-returns-series-three-historian-kate-williams |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704002344/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/aug/18/tv-show-the-crown-returns-series-three-historian-kate-williams |archive-date=4 July 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> Although Elizabeth formally dismissed him, and the international community applied sanctions against Rhodesia, his regime survived for over a decade.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=66|Pimlott|2001|2pp=345–354}} As Britain's ties to its former empire weakened, the British government sought entry to the [[European Community]], a goal it [[Accession of the United Kingdom to the European Communities|achieved in 1973]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1pp=123, 154, 176|Pimlott|2001|2pp=301, 315–316, 415–417}} In 1966, the Queen was criticised for waiting eight days before visiting the village of [[Aberfan]], where [[Aberfan disaster|a mining disaster]] claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults. Martin Charteris said that the delay, made on his advice, was a mistake that she later regretted.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 September 2022 |title=Aberfan disaster: The Queen's regret after tragedy |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-42101460 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123064943/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-42101460 |archive-date=23 November 2022 |access-date=20 December 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2019 |title=How filming the agony of Aberfan for The Crown revealed a village still in trauma |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/nov/17/television-drama-the-crown-portrays-aberfan-disaster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221000005/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/nov/17/television-drama-the-crown-portrays-aberfan-disaster |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=20 December 2022 |website=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth toured [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] in October 1972, becoming the first British monarch to visit a [[communist country]].{{Sfn|ps=none|Hoey|2022|page=58}} She was received at the airport by President [[Josip Broz Tito]], and a crowd of thousands greeted her in [[Belgrade]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 October 1972 |title=Big Crowds in Belgrade Greet Queen Elizabeth |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/10/18/archives/big-crowds-in-belgrade-greet-queen-elizabeth.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/10/18/archives/big-crowds-in-belgrade-greet-queen-elizabeth.html |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}</ref> In February 1974, the British prime minister [[Edward Heath]] advised Elizabeth to call [[February 1974 United Kingdom general election|a general election]] in the middle of her tour of the [[Austronesia]]n [[Pacific Rim]], requiring her to fly back to Britain.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=181|Pimlott|2001|2p=418}} The election resulted in a [[hung parliament]]; Heath's Conservatives were not the largest party but could stay in office if they formed a coalition with the [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberals]]. When discussions on forming a coalition foundered, Heath resigned, and Elizabeth asked the [[Leader of the Opposition (United Kingdom)|Leader of the Opposition]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]'s [[Harold Wilson]], to form a government.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=181|Marr|2011|2p=256|Pimlott|2001|3p=419|Shawcross|2002|4pp=109–110}} A year later, at the height of the [[1975 Australian constitutional crisis]], the Australian prime minister, [[Gough Whitlam]], was dismissed from his post by Governor-General [[Sir John Kerr]], after the Opposition-controlled [[Australian Senate|Senate]] rejected Whitlam's budget proposals.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=96|Marr|2011|2p=257|Pimlott|2001|3p=427|Shawcross|2002|4p=110}} As Whitlam had a majority in the [[Australian House of Representatives|House of Representatives]], Speaker [[Gordon Scholes]] appealed to Elizabeth to reverse Kerr's decision. She declined, saying she would not interfere in decisions reserved by the [[Constitution of Australia]] for the [[Governor-General of Australia|governor-general]].{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=428–429}} The crisis fuelled [[Australian republicanism]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=96|Marr|2011|2p=257|Pimlott|2001|3p=427|Shawcross|2002|4p=110}} [[File:Jimmy Carter with Queen Elizabeth - NARA - 174724.jpg|thumb|[[3rd G7 summit|Leaders of the G7 states]], members of the royal family and Elizabeth (centre), London, 1977]] In 1977, Elizabeth marked the [[Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Silver Jubilee]] of her accession. Parties and events took place throughout the Commonwealth, many coinciding with [[List of events during the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II|her associated national and Commonwealth tours]]. The celebrations re-affirmed Elizabeth's popularity, despite virtually coincident negative press coverage of Princess Margaret's separation from her husband, Lord Snowdon.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=449}} In 1978, Elizabeth endured a state visit to the United Kingdom by [[Socialist Republic of Romania|Romania]]'s communist leader, [[Nicolae Ceaușescu]], and his wife, [[Elena Ceaușescu|Elena]],{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hardman|2011|1p=137|Roberts|2000|2pp=88–89|Shawcross|2002|3p=178}} though privately she thought they had "blood on their hands".<ref>Elizabeth to her staff, quoted in {{Harvnb|Shawcross|2002|p=178}}</ref> The following year brought two blows: the unmasking of [[Anthony Blunt]], former [[Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures]], as a communist spy and the [[assassination of Lord Mountbatten]] by the [[Provisional Irish Republican Army]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|1pp=336–337, 470–471|Roberts|2000|2pp=88–89}} According to [[Paul Martin Sr.]], by the end of the 1970s, Elizabeth was worried [[the Crown]] "had little meaning for" [[Pierre Trudeau]], the Canadian prime minister.<ref name="Post" /> [[Tony Benn]] said Elizabeth found Trudeau "rather disappointing".<ref name="Post">{{Cite news |last=Heinricks |first=Geoff |date=29 September 2000 |title=Trudeau: A drawer monarchist |work=[[National Post]] |location=Toronto |page=B12 |mode=cs2}}</ref> Trudeau's supposed [[Republicanism in Canada|republicanism]] seemed to be confirmed by his antics, such as sliding down banisters at Buckingham Palace and pirouetting behind Elizabeth's back in 1977, and the removal of various [[Canadian royal symbols]] during his term of office.<ref name="Post" /> In 1980, Canadian politicians sent to London to discuss the [[patriation]] of the [[Canadian constitution]] found Elizabeth "better informed ... than any of the British politicians or bureaucrats".<ref name="Post" /> She was particularly interested after the failure of Bill C-60, which would have affected her role as head of state.<ref name="Post" /> === Perils and dissent === [[File:ElizabethIItroopingcolour crop.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Elizabeth in red uniform on a black horse|Riding Burmese at the 1986 Trooping the Colour ceremony]] During the 1981 [[Trooping the Colour]] ceremony, six weeks before the [[wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer]], six shots were fired at Elizabeth from close range as she rode down [[The Mall, London]], on her horse, [[Burmese (horse)|Burmese]]. Police later discovered the shots were blanks. The 17-year-old assailant, [[Marcus Sarjeant]], was sentenced to five years in prison and released after three.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 September 1981 |title=Queen's 'fantasy assassin' jailed |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/14/newsid_2516000/2516713.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728131747/https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/14/newsid_2516000/2516713.stm |archive-date=28 July 2011 |access-date=21 June 2010 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth's composure and skill in controlling her mount were widely praised.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1p=281|Pimlott|2001|2pp=476–477|Shawcross|2002|3p=192}} That October, Elizabeth was the subject of another attack while on a visit to [[Dunedin]], New Zealand. [[Christopher John Lewis]], who was 17 years old, fired a shot with a [[.22 rifle]] from the fifth floor of a building overlooking the parade but missed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McNeilly |first=Hamish |date=1 March 2018 |title=Intelligence documents confirm assassination attempt on Queen Elizabeth in New Zealand |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/intelligence-documents-confirm-assassination-attempt-on-queen-elizabeth-in-new-zealand-20180301-p4z282.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626183822/https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/intelligence-documents-confirm-assassination-attempt-on-queen-elizabeth-in-new-zealand-20180301-p4z282.html |archive-date=26 June 2019 |access-date=1 March 2018 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Lewis was arrested, but instead of being charged with [[attempted murder]] or [[treason]] was sentenced to three years in jail for unlawful possession and discharge of a firearm. Two years into his sentence, he attempted to escape a [[psychiatric hospital]] with the intention of assassinating Charles, who was visiting the country with [[Diana, Princess of Wales|Diana]] and their son [[Prince William]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ainge Roy |first=Eleanor |date=13 January 2018 |title='Damn ... I missed': the incredible story of the day the Queen was nearly shot |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/13/queen-elizabeth-assassination-attempt-new-zealand-1981 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301120257/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/13/queen-elizabeth-assassination-attempt-new-zealand-1981 |archive-date=1 March 2018 |access-date=1 March 2018 |work=[[The Guardian]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> [[File:President Ronald Reagan riding horses with Queen Elizabeth II during visit to Windsor Castle.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Elizabeth and Ronald Reagan on black horses. He bare-headed; she in a headscarf; both in tweeds, jodhpurs and riding boots.|Riding at Windsor with President Reagan, June 1982]] From April to September 1982, Elizabeth's son Andrew served with British forces in the [[Falklands War]], for which she reportedly felt anxiety{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=115|Pimlott|2001|2p=487}} and pride.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|1p=487|Shawcross|2002|2p=127}} On 9 July, she awoke in her bedroom at Buckingham Palace to find an intruder, [[Michael Fagan (intruder)|Michael Fagan]], in the room with her. In a serious lapse of security, assistance only arrived after two calls to the Palace police switchboard.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1pp=297–298|Pimlott|2001|2p=491}} After hosting US president [[Ronald Reagan]] at Windsor Castle in 1982 and visiting [[Rancho del Cielo|his California ranch]] in 1983, Elizabeth was angered when [[Presidency of Ronald Reagan|his administration]] ordered the [[invasion of Grenada]], one of her Caribbean realms, without informing her.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=188|Pimlott|2001|2p=497}} Intense media interest in the opinions and private lives of the royal family during the 1980s led to a series of sensational stories in the press, pioneered by ''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'' tabloid.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=488–490}} As [[Kelvin MacKenzie]], editor of ''The Sun'', told his staff: "Give me a Sunday for Monday splash on the Royals. Don't worry if it's not true—so long as there's not too much of a fuss about it afterwards."{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=521}} Newspaper editor [[Donald Trelford]] wrote in ''[[The Observer]]'' of 21 September 1986: "The royal soap opera has now reached such a pitch of public interest that the boundary between fact and fiction has been lost sight of ... it is not just that some papers don't check their facts or accept denials: they don't care if the stories are true or not." It was reported, most notably in ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' of 20 July 1986, that Elizabeth was worried that [[Margaret Thatcher]]'s [[Thatcherism#economicposition|economic policies]] fostered social divisions and was alarmed by high unemployment, [[1981 England riots|a series of riots]], the violence of [[UK miners' strike (1984–85)|a miners' strike]], and Thatcher's refusal to apply sanctions against the [[apartheid]] regime in South Africa. The sources of the rumours included royal aide [[Michael Shea (diplomat)|Michael Shea]] and Commonwealth secretary-general [[Shridath Ramphal]], but Shea claimed his remarks were taken [[out of context]] and embellished by speculation.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Harvnb|Hardman|2011|pp=216–217}}; {{Harvnb|Pimlott|2001|pp=503–515}}; {{Nowrap|see also}} | {{Harvnb|Neil|1996|pp=195–207}}; {{Harvnb|Shawcross|2002|pp=129–132}}}}</ref> Thatcher reputedly said Elizabeth would vote for the [[Social Democratic Party (UK)|Social Democratic Party]]—Thatcher's political opponents.<ref>{{Multiref|Thatcher to [[Brian Walden]], quoted in {{Harvnb|Neil|1996|pp=207}}; | Neil quoted in {{Harvnb|Wyatt|1999|loc= diary of 26 October 1990}}}}</ref> Thatcher's biographer, [[John Campbell (biographer)|John Campbell]], claimed "the report was a piece of journalistic mischief-making".{{Sfn|ps=none|Campbell|2003|p=467}} Reports of acrimony between them were exaggerated,{{Sfn|ps=none|Hardman|2011|pp=167, 171–173}} and Elizabeth gave two honours in her personal gift—membership in the [[Order of Merit]] and the [[Order of the Garter]]—to Thatcher after her replacement as prime minister by [[John Major]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Roberts|2000|1p=101|Shawcross|2002|2p=139}} [[Brian Mulroney]], Canadian prime minister between 1984 and 1993, said Elizabeth was a "behind the scenes force" in ending apartheid.<ref name="Geddes">{{Cite magazine |last=Geddes |first=John |year=2012 |title=The day she descended into the fray |magazine=[[Maclean's]] |page=72 |edition=Special Commemorative <!-- Edition: The Diamond Jubilee: Celebrating 60 Remarkable years --> |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref name="MacQueen">{{Cite magazine |last1=MacQueen |first1=Ken |last2=Treble |first2=Patricia |year=2012 |title=The Jewel in the Crown |magazine=Maclean's |pages=43–44 |edition=Special Commemorative <!-- Edition: The Diamond Jubilee: Celebrating 60 Remarkable years --> |mode=cs2}}</ref> In 1986, Elizabeth paid a six-day state visit to the People's Republic of China, becoming the first British monarch to visit the country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 October 1986 |title=Queen fulfills a Royal Goal: To visit China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/13/world/queen-fulfills-a-royal-goal-to-visit-china.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155118/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/13/world/queen-fulfills-a-royal-goal-to-visit-china.html |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}</ref> The tour included the [[Forbidden City]], the [[Great Wall of China]], and the [[Terracotta Warriors]].{{Sfn|ps=none|BBC Books|1991|page=181}} At a [[state banquet]], Elizabeth joked about the first British emissary to China being lost at sea with [[Queen Elizabeth I]]'s letter to the [[Wanli Emperor]], and remarked, "fortunately postal services have improved since 1602".{{Sfn|ps=none|Hardman|2019|page=437}} Elizabeth's visit also signified the acceptance of both countries that [[Handover of Hong Kong|sovereignty over Hong Kong would be transferred]] from the United Kingdom to China in 1997.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bogert |first=Carroll R. |date=13 October 1986 |title=Queen Elizabeth II Arrives In Peking for 6-Day Visit |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1986/10/13/queen-elizabeth-ii-arrives-in-peking-for-6-day-visit/60fd4c89-992c-4399-ae6a-3e38f15f7aad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033204/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1986/10/13/queen-elizabeth-ii-arrives-in-peking-for-6-day-visit/60fd4c89-992c-4399-ae6a-3e38f15f7aad/ |archive-date=26 March 2023 |access-date=12 October 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |mode=cs2}}</ref> By the end of the 1980s, Elizabeth had become the target of satire.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1pp=293–294|Pimlott|2001|2p=541}} The involvement of younger members of the royal family in the charity game show ''[[It's a Royal Knockout]]'' in 1987 was ridiculed.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hardman|2011|1pp=82–83|Lacey|2002|2p=307|Pimlott|2001|3pp=522–526}} In Canada, Elizabeth publicly supported politically divisive [[Meech Lake Accord|constitutional amendments]], prompting criticism from opponents of the proposed changes, including Pierre Trudeau.<ref name=Geddes /> The same year, the elected Fijian government was deposed in [[1987 Fijian coups d'état|a military coup]]. As [[monarch of Fiji]], Elizabeth supported the attempts of Governor-General [[Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau]] to assert executive power and negotiate a settlement. Coup leader [[Sitiveni Rabuka]] deposed Ganilau and declared Fiji a republic.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=515–516}} === Turbulent years === In the wake of coalition victory in the [[Gulf War]], Elizabeth became the first British monarch to address a [[Joint session of the United States Congress|joint meeting]] of the [[United States Congress]] in May 1991.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=538}} [[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 199-1992-089-19Acropped.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|alt=Elizabeth, in formal dress, holds a pair of spectacles to her mouth in a thoughtful pose|With Philip in Germany, October 1992]] On 24 November 1992, in a speech to mark the [[Ruby Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Ruby Jubilee]] of her accession, Elizabeth called 1992 her {{Lang|la|[[annus horribilis]]}} (a Latin phrase, meaning "horrible year").<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Connie |date=24 November 1992 |title=Annus horribilis speech |url=https://www.royal.uk/annus-horribilis-speech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103191553/https://www.royal.uk/annus-horribilis-speech |archive-date=3 January 2017 |access-date=18 April 2016 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> [[Republicanism in the United Kingdom|Republican feeling in Britain]] had risen because of press estimates of Elizabeth's private wealth—contradicted by the Palace{{Efn|name=finances|The ''[[Sunday Times Rich List 1989]]'' put her number one on the list with a reported wealth of £5.2 billion (approximately £{{Format price|{{Inflation|UK|5200000000|1989|r=-6}}}} in today's value),{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y|mode=cs2}} but it included state assets like the [[Royal Collection]] that were not hers personally.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 April 2013 |title=Rich List: Changing face of wealth |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-22188762 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106171208/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-22188762 |archive-date=6 November 2020 |access-date=23 July 2020 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In 1993, Buckingham Palace called estimates of £100 million "grossly overstated".<ref>{{Multiref|[[David Ogilvy, 13th Earl of Airlie|Lord Airlie]], the [[lord chamberlain]], quoted in | {{Harvnb|Hoey|2002|p=225}}; {{Harvnb|Pimlott|2001|p=561}}}}</ref> In 1971, [[Jock Colville]], her former private secretary and a director of her bank, [[Coutts]], estimated her wealth at £2 million (equivalent to about £{{Format price|{{Inflation|UK|2000000|1971|1993|r=-6}}}} in 1993{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y|mode=cs2}}).<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=11 June 1971 |title=£2m estimate of the Queen's wealth 'more likely to be accurate' |work=[[The Times]] |page=1 |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Pimlott|2001|p=401}}}}</ref>}}—and reports of affairs and strained marriages among her extended family.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=519–534}} In March, her second son, Prince Andrew, separated from his wife, [[Sarah, Duchess of York|Sarah]]; her daughter, Princess Anne, divorced Captain [[Mark Phillips]] in April;{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1p=319|Marr|2011|2p=315|Pimlott|2001|3pp=550–551}} angry demonstrators in [[Dresden]] threw eggs at Elizabeth during a state visit to Germany in October;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stanglin |first=Douglas |date=18 March 2010 |title=German study concludes 25,000 died in Allied bombing of Dresden |url=https://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/03/official-german-study-concludes-25000-died-in-allied-bombing-of-dresden/1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515131113/https://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/03/official-german-study-concludes-25000-died-in-allied-bombing-of-dresden/1 |archive-date=15 May 2010 |access-date=19 March 2010 |work=[[USA Today]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> and [[1992 Windsor Castle fire|a large fire broke out at Windsor Castle]], one of her [[official residence]]s, in November. The monarchy came under increased criticism and public scrutiny.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=377|Pimlott|2001|2pp=558–559|Roberts|2000|3p=94|Shawcross|2002|4p=204}} In an unusually personal speech, Elizabeth said that any institution must expect criticism, but suggested it might be done with "a touch of humour, gentleness and understanding".{{Sfn|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|p=377}} Two days later, John Major announced plans to reform the royal finances, drawn up the previous year, including Elizabeth paying [[income tax]] from 1993 onwards, and a reduction in the [[civil list]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=229|Lacey|2002|2pp=325–326|Pimlott|2001|3pp=559–561}} In December, Prince Charles and his wife, Diana, formally separated.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=226|Hardman|2011|2p=96|Lacey|2002|3p=328|Pimlott|2001|4p=561}} At the end of the year, Elizabeth sued ''The Sun'' newspaper for breach of copyright when it published the text of her [[Royal Christmas Message|annual Christmas message]] two days before it was broadcast. The newspaper was forced to pay her legal fees and donated £200,000 to charity.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=562}} Elizabeth's solicitors had taken successful action against ''The Sun'' five years earlier for breach of copyright after it published a photograph of her daughter-in-law the Duchess of York and her granddaughter [[Princess Beatrice]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 February 1993 |title=Queen Threatens to Sue Newspaper |url=https://apnews.com/article/5b6c71ab1ca6e966a27db134c49909ec |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407111152/https://apnews.com/article/5b6c71ab1ca6e966a27db134c49909ec |archive-date=7 April 2022 |access-date=27 December 2021 |work=Associated Press News |location=London |mode=cs2}}</ref> In January 1994, Elizabeth broke the [[scaphoid bone]] in her left wrist as the horse she was riding at Sandringham tripped and fell.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 January 1994 |title=Queen Breaks Wrist in Riding Accident |url=https://apnews.com/article/cf58eee09036d3885bc872e5662ff027 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831195506/https://apnews.com/article/cf58eee09036d3885bc872e5662ff027 |archive-date=31 August 2022 |access-date=1 September 2022 |work=Associated Press News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In October 1994, she became the first reigning British monarch to set foot on Russian soil.{{Efn|name=russia|The only previous state visit by a British monarch to Russia was made by [[King Edward VII]] in 1908. The King never stepped ashore, and met [[Nicholas II]] on [[royal yacht]]s off the Baltic port of what is now [[Tallinn]], Estonia.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=15 July 1994 |title=Elizabeth II to visit Russia in October |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97450734/queen-russia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97450734/queen-russia |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=Evansville Press |page=2 |agency=Associated Press |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Tomaszewski|2002|page=22}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sloane |first=Wendy |date=19 October 1994 |title=Not all's forgiven as queen tours a czarless Russia |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1994/1019/19092.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905181532/https://www.csmonitor.com/1994/1019/19092.html |archive-date=5 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |location=Moscow |mode=cs2}}</ref> During the [[State visit by Elizabeth II to Russia|four-day visit]], which was considered to be one of the most important foreign trips of Elizabeth's reign,<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 October 1994 |title=British queen in Moscow |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/10/17/British-queen-in-Moscow/3900782366400 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312020810/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/10/17/British-queen-in-Moscow/3900782366400 |archive-date=12 March 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=United Press International |location=Moscow |mode=cs2}}</ref> she and Philip attended events in Moscow and [[Saint Petersburg]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=de Waal |first=Thomas |date=15 October 1994 |title=Queen's Visit: Lifting the Clouds of the Past |work=Moscow Times |mode=cs2}}</ref>}} In October 1995, Elizabeth was tricked into a [[hoax call]] by Montreal radio host [[Pierre Brassard]] impersonating Canadian prime minister [[Jean Chrétien]]. Elizabeth, who believed that she was speaking to Chrétien, said she supported Canadian unity and would try to influence [[1995 Quebec referendum|Quebec's referendum]] on proposals to break away from Canada.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=29 October 1995 |title=Allo! Allo! Ici the Queen. Who's This? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/29/world/allo-allo-ici-the-queen-who-s-this.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/29/world/allo-allo-ici-the-queen-who-s-this.html |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |date=28 October 1995 |title=Queen falls victim to radio hoaxer |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/queen-falls-victim-to-radio-hoaxer-1579745.html |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603193700/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/queen-falls-victim-to-radio-hoaxer-1579745.html |archive-date=3 June 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> In the year that followed, public revelations on the state of Charles and Diana's marriage continued.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=356|Pimlott|2001|2pp=572–577|Roberts|2000|3p=94|Shawcross|2002|4p=168}} In consultation with her husband and John Major, as well as the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]] ([[George Carey]]) and her private secretary ([[Robert Fellowes, Baron Fellowes|Robert Fellowes]]), Elizabeth wrote to Charles and Diana at the end of December 1995, suggesting that a divorce would be advisable.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=357|Pimlott|2001|2p=577}} In August 1997, a year after the divorce, Diana [[Death of Diana, Princess of Wales|was killed]] in a car crash in Paris. Elizabeth was on holiday with her extended family at Balmoral. Diana's two sons, Princes William and [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|Harry]], wanted to attend church, so Elizabeth and Philip took them that morning.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=358|Hardman|2011|2p=101|Pimlott|2001|3p=610}} Afterwards, for five days, the royal couple shielded their grandsons from the intense press interest by keeping them at Balmoral where they could grieve in private,{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Brandreth|2004|2p=358|Marr|2011|3p=338|Pimlott|2001|4p=615}} but the royal family's silence and seclusion, and the failure to fly a flag at [[half-mast]] over Buckingham Palace, caused public dismay.<ref name=MacQueen />{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Brandreth|2004|2p=358|Lacey|2002|3pp=6–7|Pimlott|2001|4p=616|Roberts|2000|5p=98|Shawcross|2002|6p=8}} Pressured by the hostile reaction, Elizabeth agreed to return to London and address the nation in a [[Addresses to the nation by Elizabeth II|live television broadcast]] on 5 September, the day before [[Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales|Diana's funeral]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=358–359|Lacey|2002|2pp=8–9|Pimlott|2001|3pp=621–622}} In the broadcast, she expressed admiration for Diana and her feelings "as a grandmother" for the two princes.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Brandreth|2004|2p=359|Lacey|2002|3pp=13–15|Pimlott|2001|4pp=623–624}} As a result, much of the public hostility evaporated.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Brandreth|2004|2p=359|Lacey|2002|3pp=13–15|Pimlott|2001|4pp=623–624}} In October 1997, Elizabeth and Philip made a state visit to India, which included a controversial visit to the site of the [[Jallianwala Bagh massacre]] to pay her respects. Protesters chanted "Killer Queen, go back",<ref name="goback">{{Cite news |date=14 October 1997 |title=Indian group calls off protest, accepts queen's regrets |url=https://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9710/14/india.queen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503202629/https://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9710/14/india.queen |archive-date=3 May 2021 |access-date=3 May 2021 |publisher=CNN |location=Amritsar, India |mode=cs2}}</ref> and there were demands for her to apologise for the action of British troops 78 years earlier.<ref name="NYT">{{Cite news |last=Burns |first=John F. |date=15 October 1997 |title=In India, Queen Bows Her Head Over a Massacre in 1919 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/15/world/in-india-queen-bows-her-head-over-a-massacre-in-1919.html?smid=pl-share |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517191611/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/15/world/in-india-queen-bows-her-head-over-a-massacre-in-1919.html?smid=pl-share |archive-date=17 May 2013 |access-date=12 February 2013 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}</ref> At the memorial in the park, she and Philip laid a [[wreath]] and stood for a 30‑second [[moment of silence]].<ref name="NYT" /> As a result, much of the fury among the public softened, and the protests were called off.<ref name="goback" /> That November, the royal couple held a reception at [[Banqueting House]] to mark their golden wedding anniversary.<ref name="G-Wedding-Anniversary">{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Connie |date=20 November 1997 |title=A speech by The Queen on her Golden Wedding Anniversary |url=https://www.royal.uk/golden-wedding-speech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110073945/https://www.royal.uk/golden-wedding-speech |archive-date=10 January 2019 |access-date=10 February 2017 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth made a speech and praised Philip for his role as consort, referring to him as "my strength and stay".<ref name="G-Wedding-Anniversary" /> In 1999, as part of the process of [[devolution in the United Kingdom]], Elizabeth formally opened newly established legislatures for Wales and Scotland: the [[National Assembly for Wales]] at [[Cardiff]] in May,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gibbs |first=Geoffrey |date=27 May 1999 |title=Welsh crown day with a song |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/may/27/wales.devolution1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920163608/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/may/27/wales.devolution1 |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=16 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> and the [[Scottish Parliament]] at [[Edinburgh]] in July.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Engel |first=Matthew |date=2 July 1999 |title=Something for everyone as Scots at last put history behind them |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/jul/02/scotlanddevolution.devolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914185759/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/jul/02/scotlanddevolution.devolution |archive-date=14 September 2022 |access-date=14 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> === Dawn of the new millennium === [[File:Queen Elizabeth II with her British Prime Ministers during her Golden Jubilee in 2002.jpg|thumb|Golden Jubilee dinner with living British prime ministers, 2002: (left to right) Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, Edward Heath, Elizabeth, [[James Callaghan]], John Major]] On the eve of the new millennium, Elizabeth and Philip boarded a vessel from [[Southwark]], bound for the [[Millennium Dome]]. Before passing under [[Tower Bridge]], Elizabeth lit the National Millennium Beacon in the [[Pool of London]] using a laser torch.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=December 1999 |title=Queen to visit Southwark on Millennium Eve |url=https://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/1299/queen.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213021754/https://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/1299/queen.html |archive-date=13 February 2022 |access-date=13 February 2022 |work=London SE1 |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |date=31 December 1999 |title=Beacons blaze across UK |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/586264.stm |url-status=live |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213021743/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/586264.stm |archive-date=13 February 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> Shortly before midnight, she officially opened the Dome.{{Sfn|ps=none|Knappett|2016|page=24}} During the singing of ''[[Auld Lang Syne]]'', Elizabeth held hands with Philip and British prime minister [[Tony Blair]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Shawcross|2002|1p=224|Bedell Smith|2017|2p=423}} Following the [[9/11 attacks]] in the United States, Elizabeth, breaking with tradition, ordered the [[American national anthem]] to be played during the [[Changing of the guard (United Kingdom)|changing of the guard]] at Buckingham Palace to express her solidarity with the country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelso |first=Paul |date=14 September 2001 |title=US anthem played at changing of the guard |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/14/september11.usa3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208005149/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/14/september11.usa3 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2022 |title=After Sept. 11, Queen Elizabeth Ordered Up 'The Star-Spangled Banner' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/11/world/sept-11-queen-elizabeth.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214062824/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/11/world/sept-11-queen-elizabeth.html |archive-date=14 December 2023 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}</ref> In 2002, Elizabeth marked her [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Golden Jubilee]], the 50th anniversary of her accession. Her sister and mother died in February and March, respectively, and the media speculated on whether the Jubilee would be a success or a failure.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=156|Bradford|2012|2pp=248–249|Marr|2011|3pp=349–350}} The death of her sister shook Elizabeth; her funeral was one of the rare occasions where Elizabeth openly cried.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McDowell |first=Erin |date=6 December 2022 |title=13 photos that show Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret's close sisterly bond |url=https://www.insider.com/photos-of-queen-elizabeth-and-princess-margaret-2022-9 |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Insider |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth again undertook an extensive tour of her realms, beginning in Jamaica in February, where she called the farewell banquet "memorable" after a [[power cut]] plunged [[King's House, Jamaica|King's House]], the official residence of the [[Governor-General of Jamaica|governor-general]], into darkness.{{Sfn|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|p=31}} As in 1977, there were street parties and commemorative events, and monuments were named to honour the occasion. One million people attended each day of the three-day main Jubilee celebration in London,{{Sfn|ps=none|Bond|2006|pp=166–167}} and the enthusiasm shown for Elizabeth by the public was greater than many journalists had anticipated.{{Sfn|ps=none|Bond|2006|p=157}} [[File:Queen at NASA.jpg|thumb|left|Greeting [[NASA]] employees at the [[Goddard Space Flight Center]], Maryland, May 2007]] In 2003, Elizabeth sued the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' for [[Breach of confidence in English law|breach of confidence]] and obtained an [[injunction]] which prevented the outlet from publishing information gathered by a reporter who posed as a [[footman]] at Buckingham Palace.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Higham |first=Nick |date=14 September 2012 |title=Analysis: The Royal Family's history of legal action |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-19599899 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-19599899 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> The newspaper also paid £25,000 towards her legal costs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wells |first=Matt |date=24 November 2003 |title=Palace and Mirror settle over fake footman |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/25/pressandpublishing.themonarchy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601015921/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/25/pressandpublishing.themonarchy |archive-date=1 June 2022 |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> Though generally healthy throughout her life, in 2003 she had [[keyhole surgery]] on both knees. In October 2006, she missed the opening of the new [[Emirates Stadium]] because of a strained back muscle that had been troubling her since the summer.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 October 2006 |title=Queen cancels visit due to injury |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6087724.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217060327/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6087724.stm |archive-date=17 February 2007 |access-date=8 December 2009 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In May 2007, citing unnamed sources, ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' reported that Elizabeth was "exasperated and frustrated" by the policies of Tony Blair, that she was concerned the [[British Armed Forces]] were overstretched in Iraq and [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]], and that she had raised concerns over rural and countryside issues with Blair.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alderson |first=Andrew |date=28 May 2007 |title=Revealed: Queen's dismay at Blair legacy |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1552769/Revealed-Queens-dismay-at-Blair-legacy.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/OFaqF |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=31 May 2010 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> She was, however, said to admire Blair's efforts to [[Northern Ireland peace process|achieve peace]] in Northern Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alderson |first=Andrew |date=27 May 2007 |title=Tony and Her Majesty: an uneasy relationship |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1552767/Tony-and-Her-Majesty-an-uneasy-relationship.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d1rD2 |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=31 May 2010 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> She became the first British monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary in November 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 November 2007 |title=Queen celebrates diamond wedding |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7101094.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913162744/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?rnd=1631550463567&ci=bbc&cg=0&sr=1600x1000&ts=v51.js&cd=24&lg=en-US&je=n&ck=y&tz=0&ct=&hp=&tl=BBC%20NEWS%20%7C%20UK%20%7C%20Queen%20celebrates%20diamond%20wedding&si=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2F2%2Fhi%2F7101094.stm&rp= |archive-date=13 September 2021 |access-date=10 February 2017 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 20 March 2008, at the [[Church of Ireland]] [[St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh (Church of Ireland)|St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh]], Elizabeth attended the first [[Maundy service]] held outside England and Wales.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 March 2008 |title=Historic first for Maundy service |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7305675.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412102120/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7305675.stm |archive-date=12 April 2009 |access-date=12 October 2008 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth addressed the UN General Assembly for a second time in 2010, again in her capacity as Queen of all Commonwealth realms and [[Head of the Commonwealth]].<ref name="UN">{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Ciara |date=6 July 2010 |title=A speech by the Queen to the United Nations General Assembly |url=https://www.royal.uk/address-united-nations-general-assembly-6-july-2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114061854/https://www.royal.uk/address-united-nations-general-assembly-6-july-2010 |archive-date=14 November 2018 |access-date=18 April 2016 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> The [[UN secretary-general]], [[Ban Ki-moon]], introduced her as "an anchor for our age".<ref name="BBCUN">{{Cite news |date=7 July 2010 |title=Queen addresses UN General Assembly in New York |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10518044 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715050818/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10518044 |archive-date=15 July 2010 |access-date=7 July 2010 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> During her visit to New York, which followed a tour of Canada, she officially opened a memorial garden for British [[victims of the 9/11 attacks]]<!--Use common name-->.<ref name="BBCUN" /> Elizabeth's 11-day visit to Australia in October 2011 was her 16th visit to the country since 1954.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 October 2011 |title=Royal tour of Australia: The Queen ends visit with traditional 'Aussie barbie' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/8857106/Royal-tour-of-Australia-The-Queen-ends-visit-with-traditional-Aussie-barbie.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030150841/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/8857106/Royal-tour-of-Australia-The-Queen-ends-visit-with-traditional-Aussie-barbie.html |archive-date=30 October 2011 |access-date=30 October 2011 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}</ref> By invitation of the [[Irish president]], [[Mary McAleese]], she made the first [[State visit by Elizabeth II to the Republic of Ireland|state visit to the Republic of Ireland]] by a British monarch in May 2011.{{Sfn|ps=none|Bradford|2012|p=253}} === Diamond Jubilee and milestones === [[File:Day 194 - West Midlands Police - Royal Diamond Jubilee Visit (7555521830).jpg|thumb|Visiting [[Birmingham]] in July 2012 as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour]] The [[2012 Diamond Jubilee]] marked 60 years since Elizabeth's accession, and celebrations were held throughout her realms, the wider Commonwealth, and beyond. She and her husband undertook an extensive tour of the United Kingdom, while her children and grandchildren embarked on royal tours of other Commonwealth states on her behalf.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=7 March 2012 |title=Prince Harry pays tribute to the Queen in Jamaica |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17281585 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318154923/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17281585 |archive-date=18 March 2012 |access-date=31 May 2012 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite press release |title=Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Undertake a Royal Tour of Canada in 2012 |date=14 December 2011 |publisher=[[Government of Canada]] |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2011/12/their-royal-highnesses-prince-wales-duchess-cornwall-undertake-royal-tour-canada-2012.html |ref=none |access-date=31 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520183506/https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2011/12/their-royal-highnesses-prince-wales-duchess-cornwall-undertake-royal-tour-canada-2012.html |archive-date=20 May 2018 |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> On 4 June, Jubilee beacons were lit around the world.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Event News |url=https://www.diamond-jubilee-beacons.buzzsites.co.uk/pages/event_news_162371.cfm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116075010/https://www.diamond-jubilee-beacons.buzzsites.co.uk/pages/event_news_162371.cfm |archive-date=16 November 2018 |access-date=28 April 2016 |publisher=The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 18 December, the Queen became the first British [[sovereign]] to attend a peacetime [[Cabinet of the United Kingdom|Cabinet meeting]] since [[George III]] in 1781.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 December 2012 |title=UK to name part of Antarctica Queen Elizabeth Land |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20757382 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128080212/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20757382 |archive-date=28 January 2013 |access-date=9 June 2019 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth, who opened the [[Montreal Summer Olympics]] in 1976, also opened the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] and [[2012 Summer Paralympics|Paralympics]] in London, making her the first [[List of people who have opened the Olympic Games|head of state to open]] two [[Olympic Games]] in two countries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 July 2012 |title=Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium Announces Broadcast Details for London 2012 Opening Ceremony, Friday |url=https://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1011615/canada-s-olympic-broadcast-media-consortium-announces-broadcast-details-for-london-2012-opening-ceremony-friday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092404/https://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1011615/canada-s-olympic-broadcast-media-consortium-announces-broadcast-details-for-london-2012-opening-ceremony-friday |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=22 March 2015 |agency=PR Newswire |mode=cs2}}</ref> For the London Olympics, she portrayed herself in [[Happy & Glorious|a short film]] as part of [[2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony|the opening ceremony]], alongside [[Daniel Craig]] as [[James Bond]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Nicholas |date=27 July 2012 |title=How James Bond whisked the Queen to the Olympics |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19018666 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419193112/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19018666 |archive-date=19 April 2019 |access-date=27 July 2012 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 4 April 2013, she received an honorary [[BAFTA]] award for her [[patronage]] of the film industry and was called "the most memorable [[Bond girl]] yet" at a special presentation at Windsor Castle.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 April 2013 |title=Queen honoured with Bafta award for film and TV support |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22035942 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407054746/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22035942 |archive-date=7 April 2013 |access-date=7 April 2013 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> [[File:Official Opening of the Borders Rail - 21086557488.jpg|thumb|Opening the [[Borders Railway]] on the day she became the longest-reigning British monarch, 2015. In her speech, she said she had never aspired to achieve that milestone.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Ciara |date=9 September 2015 |title=A speech by The Queen at the Borders Railway, Scotland |url=https://www.royal.uk/queens-speech-borders-railway-scotland-9-september-2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.royal.uk/queens-speech-borders-railway-scotland-9-september-2015 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Royal Family |mode=cs2}}</ref>]] On 3 March 2013, the Queen stayed overnight at [[King Edward VII's Hospital]] as a precaution after developing symptoms of [[gastroenteritis]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 March 2013 |title=Queen leaves hospital after stomach bug |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21659635 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304151251/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21659635 |archive-date=4 March 2013 |access-date=4 March 2013 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> A week later, she signed the new [[Charter of the Commonwealth]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 March 2013 |title=Recovering Queen signs Commonwealth charter |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-21737817 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024024324/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-21737817 |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=23 October 2016 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In 2013, because of her age and the need for her to limit travelling, she chose not to attend the biennial [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]] for the first time in 40 years. She was represented at the [[2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|summit in Sri Lanka]] by Prince Charles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 May 2013 |title=Queen to miss Commonwealth meeting |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22431757 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125220445/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22431757 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=7 May 2013 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 20 April 2018, the Commonwealth heads of government announced that she would be succeeded as Head of the Commonwealth by her son Charles, which the Queen stated as her "sincere wish".<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 2018 |title=Charles to be next Commonwealth head |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43840710 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420141358/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43840710 |archive-date=20 April 2018 |access-date=21 April 2018 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> She underwent [[cataract surgery]] in May 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Collier |first=Hatty |date=8 June 2018 |title=The Queen undergoes eye surgery to remove cataract |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/queen-undergoes-eye-surgery-remove-141520545.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308052447/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/queen-undergoes-eye-surgery-remove-141520545.html |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=19 March 2021 |work=[[Evening Standard]] |via=Yahoo! News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In March 2019, she gave up driving on public roads, largely as a consequence of a car accident involving her husband two months earlier.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nikkash |first=Roya |date=31 March 2019 |title=Queen slams brakes on driving in public |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/queen-slams-brakes-on-driving-in-public-5q5k8dchn |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331174928/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/queen-slams-brakes-on-driving-in-public-5q5k8dchn |archive-date=31 March 2019 |access-date=31 March 2019 |work=The Times |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 21 December 2007, Elizabeth surpassed her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, to become the longest-lived British monarch, and she became the [[List of monarchs in Britain by length of reign|longest-reigning British monarch]] and [[List of longest-reigning monarchs|longest-reigning queen regnant]] and female head of state in the world on 9 September 2015.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=6 September 2014 |title=Elizabeth Set to Beat Victoria's Record as Longest Reigning Monarch in British History |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/09/06/elizabeth-set-to-beat-victorias-record-as-longest-reigning-monarch-in-british-history_n_5777134.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926132141/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/09/06/elizabeth-set-to-beat-victorias-record-as-longest-reigning-monarch-in-british-history_n_5777134.html |archive-date=26 September 2014 |access-date=28 September 2014 |work=[[HuffPost]] |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Modh |first=Shrikant |date=11 September 2015 |title=The Longest Reigning Monarch Queen Elizabeth II |work=Philately News |url=https://philatelynews.com/the-longest-reigning-monarch-queen-elizabeth-ii |access-date=20 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033651/https://philatelynews.com/the-longest-reigning-monarch-queen-elizabeth-ii |archive-date=1 December 2017 |ref=none |mode=cs2}} }}</ref> She became the oldest living monarch after the death of [[King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia]] on 23 January 2015.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=24 January 2015 |title=Queen Elizabeth II is now world's oldest monarch |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-becomes-worlds-oldest-monarch/article6818895.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102192250/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-becomes-worlds-oldest-monarch/article6818895.ece |archive-date=2 January 2020 |access-date=20 November 2017 |work=The Hindu |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Rayner |first=Gordon |date=23 January 2015 |title=Queen becomes world's oldest monarch following death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/11364902/Queen-becomes-worlds-oldest-monarch-following-death-of-King-Abdullah-of-Saudi-Arabia.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=20 November 2017 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/bB0Fi |archive-date=10 January 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}}}</ref> She later became the longest-reigning current monarch and the [[List of current state leaders by date of assumption of office|longest-serving current head of state]] following the [[death of King Bhumibol]] of Thailand on 13 October 2016,<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=13 October 2016 |title=Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies at 88 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37643326 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013123050/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37643326 |archive-date=13 October 2016 |access-date=23 April 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Addley |first=Esther |date=13 October 2016 |title=Queen Elizabeth II is longest-reigning living monarch after Thai king's death |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/oct/13/queen-elizabeth-ii-is-longest-reigning-living-monarch-after-thai-kings-death |url-status=live |access-date=23 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423145926/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/oct/13/queen-elizabeth-ii-is-longest-reigning-living-monarch-after-thai-kings-death |archive-date=23 April 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> and the [[Lists of state leaders by age|oldest current head of state]] on the [[resignation of Robert Mugabe]] of Zimbabwe on 21 November 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 November 2017 |title=Queen Elizabeth II will be the world's oldest head of state if Robert Mugabe is toppled |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-will-be-the-world-e2-80-99s-oldest-head-of-state-if-robert-mugabe-is-toppled/ar-BBF0dPV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115195819/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-will-be-the-world-e2-80-99s-oldest-head-of-state-if-robert-mugabe-is-toppled/ar-BBF0dPV |archive-date=15 November 2017 |access-date=20 November 2017 |publisher=MSN |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 6 February 2017, she became the first British monarch to commemorate [[Sapphire Jubilee of Elizabeth II|a sapphire jubilee]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rayner |first=Gordon |date=29 January 2017 |title=The Blue Sapphire Jubilee: Queen will not celebrate 65th anniversary but instead sit in 'quiet contemplation' remembering father's death |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/28/blue-sapphire-jubilee-queen-will-not-celebrate-65th-anniversary |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/IGX3p |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=3 February 2017 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> and on 20 November that year, she was the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum wedding anniversary.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 November 2017 |title=Queen and Prince Philip portraits released to mark 70th anniversary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/20/queen-prince-philip-portraits-platinum-wedding-70th-anniversary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120085334/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/20/queen-prince-philip-portraits-platinum-wedding-70th-anniversary |archive-date=20 November 2017 |access-date=20 November 2017 |work=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |mode=cs2}}</ref> Philip had retired from his official duties as the Queen's consort in August 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bilefsky |first=Dan |date=2 August 2017 |title=Prince Philip Makes His Last Solo Appearance, After 65 Years in the Public Eye |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/02/world/europe/uk-prince-philip-retired-queen-elizabeth.html |access-date=4 August 2017 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> === Pandemic and widowhood === On 19 March 2020, as the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic hit the United Kingdom]], Elizabeth moved to Windsor Castle and sequestered there as a precaution.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Friel |first=Mikhaila |date=16 March 2020 |title=The royal family is canceling events because of the coronavirus, and the Queen may be asked to self-isolate for up to 4 months |url=https://www.insider.com/how-coronavirus-will-impact-queen-elizabeth-royal-schedule-2020-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908185425/https://www.insider.com/how-coronavirus-will-impact-queen-elizabeth-royal-schedule-2020-3 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=[[Business Insider|Insider]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Public engagements were cancelled and Windsor Castle followed a strict sanitary protocol nicknamed "HMS Bubble".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 November 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Queen and Prince Philip return to Windsor Castle for lockdown |url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-queen-and-prince-philip-return-to-windsor-for-lockdown-12121882 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621150341/https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-queen-and-prince-philip-return-to-windsor-for-lockdown-12121882 |archive-date=21 June 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref> [[File:A private audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.jpg|thumb|left|[[Virtual meeting]] with [[Cindy Kiro]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic|pandemic]], October 2021]] On 5 April, in a televised broadcast watched by an estimated 24 million viewers in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2020 |title=Coronavirus: The Queen's message seen by 24 million |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52183327 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710073241/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52183327 |archive-date=10 July 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> she asked people to "take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again."<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 April 2020 |title=Coronavirus: The Queen's broadcast in full |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52176208 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825205418/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52176208 |archive-date=25 August 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 8 May, the 75th anniversary of [[VE Day]], in a television broadcast at 9 pm—the exact time at which her father George VI had broadcast to the nation on the same day in 1945—she asked people to "never give up, never despair".<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 2020 |title=VE Day: UK's streets not empty as filled with love, says Queen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52590865 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709230720/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52590865 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In 2021, she received her first and second [[COVID-19 vaccinations]] in January and April respectively.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last=Busby |first=Mattha |date=9 January 2021 |title=The Queen and Prince Philip receive first dose of Covid vaccine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/09/the-queen-and-prince-philip-receive-first-dose-of-covid-vaccine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184958/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/09/the-queen-and-prince-philip-receive-first-dose-of-covid-vaccine |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=The Guardian |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite web |last=Petit |first=Stephanie |date=1 April 2021 |title=Queen Elizabeth Received Her Second COVID-19 Vaccine Before First Maskless Outing of the Year |url=https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-received-second-covid-vaccine-before-outing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808020126/https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-received-second-covid-vaccine-before-outing |archive-date=8 August 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |website=People |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> Prince Philip [[Death and funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|died on 9 April 2021]], after 73 years of marriage, making Elizabeth the first British monarch to reign as a [[widow]] or widower since Queen Victoria.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=9 April 2021 |title=Prince Philip: After over 70 years by her side, the Queen faces a future without her 'strength and stay' |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-04-09/prince-philip-after-over-70-years-by-her-side-the-queen-faces-a-future-without-her-strength-and-stay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409125554/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-04-09/prince-philip-after-over-70-years-by-her-side-the-queen-faces-a-future-without-her-strength-and-stay |archive-date=9 April 2021 |access-date=9 April 2021 |work=ITV News |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Elliott |first=Caitlin |date=9 April 2021 |title=Queen will complete her reign in the same sad way as great-great grandmother Queen Victoria |work=GoodtoKnow |url=https://www.goodto.com/royal-news/queen-reign-prince-philip-died-queen-victoria-593479 |url-status=live |access-date=11 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611164919/https://www.goodto.com/royal-news/queen-reign-prince-philip-died-queen-victoria-593479 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> She was reportedly at her husband's bedside when he died,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tominey |first=Camilla |author-link=Camilla Tominey |date=9 April 2021 |title=Prince Philip's peaceful passing reflects a remarkable life lived in self-effacing dignity |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/04/09/prince-philips-peaceful-passing-reflects-remarkable-life-lived |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410160905/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/04/09/prince-philips-peaceful-passing-reflects-remarkable-life-lived |archive-date=10 April 2021 |access-date=11 May 2021 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}</ref> and remarked in private that his death had "left a huge void".<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 April 2021 |title=Prince Philip: The Queen says his death has 'left a huge void' – Duke of York |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56710086 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908161855/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56710086 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place in England at the time, Elizabeth sat alone at Philip's funeral service, which evoked sympathy from people around the world.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last=Abraham |first=Ellie |date=17 April 2021 |title=Social Media Reacts to 'heartbreaking' Image of Queen Sitting Alone at Prince Philip's Funeral |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/queen-alone-prince-philip-funeral-b1833152.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706220849/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/queen-alone-prince-philip-funeral-b1833152.html |archive-date=6 July 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Independent |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Hassan |first=Jennifer |date=17 April 2021 |title=Image of Queen Elizabeth II sitting alone at Philip's funeral breaks hearts around the world |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/04/17/queen-funeral-alone-chapel-philip |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512191857/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/04/17/queen-funeral-alone-chapel-philip |archive-date=12 May 2021 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> In her Christmas broadcast that year, which was ultimately her last, she paid a personal tribute to her "beloved Philip", saying, "That mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him."<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=25 December 2021 |title=Queen's Christmas message pays tribute to 'beloved' Philip |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59768736 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220143732/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59768736 |archive-date=20 February 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Ship |first=Chris |date=25 December 2021 |title=Queen remembers 'mischievous twinkle' of Prince Philip in emotional Christmas message |work=ITV News |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-12-25/queen-remembers-mischievous-twinkle-of-philip-in-emotional-christmas-message |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215133432/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-12-25/queen-remembers-mischievous-twinkle-of-philip-in-emotional-christmas-message |archive-date=15 February 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> Despite the pandemic, Elizabeth attended the [[2021 State Opening of Parliament]] in May,<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 May 2021 |title=Queen's Speech 2021: What can we expect? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-56987630 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510025817/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-56987630 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |access-date=10 May 2021 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> the [[47th G7 summit]] in June,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mills |first=Rhiannon |date=12 June 2021 |title=G7 summit: Queen charms prime ministers and presidents |url=https://news.sky.com/story/g7-summit-queen-charms-prime-ministers-and-presidents-12330626 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612035541/https://news.sky.com/story/g7-summit-queen-charms-prime-ministers-and-presidents-12330626 |archive-date=12 June 2021 |access-date=12 June 2021 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref> and hosted US president [[Joe Biden]] at Windsor Castle. Biden was the 14th US president that the Queen had met.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 June 2021 |title=Queen meets Joe Biden at Windsor Castle |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57461257 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617081244/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57461257 |archive-date=17 June 2021 |access-date=8 September 2023 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In October 2021, Elizabeth cancelled a planned trip to Northern Ireland and stayed overnight at King Edward VII's Hospital for "preliminary investigations".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Harry |date=21 October 2021 |title=The Queen spent night in hospital after cancelling Northern Ireland visit |url=https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/21/the-queen-spent-night-in-hospital-after-cancelling-northern-ireland-visit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207235721/https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/21/the-queen-spent-night-in-hospital-after-cancelling-northern-ireland-visit |archive-date=7 December 2023 |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> On Christmas Day 2021, while she was staying at Windsor Castle, 19-year-old Jaswant Singh Chail broke into the gardens using a rope ladder and carrying a [[crossbow]] with the aim of assassinating Elizabeth in revenge for the [[Amritsar massacre]]. Before he could enter any buildings, he was arrested and detained under the [[Mental Health Act 2007|Mental Health Act]]. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to attempting to injure or alarm the sovereign.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2023 |title=Man admits treason after breaking into grounds of Windsor Castle with crossbow 'to kill Queen' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/man-admits-trying-to-harm-queen-after-being-caught-in-grounds-of-windsor-castle-with-a-crossbow-12802059 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113557/https://news.sky.com/story/man-admits-trying-to-harm-queen-after-being-caught-in-grounds-of-windsor-castle-with-a-crossbow-12802059 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |access-date=3 February 2023 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref> === Platinum Jubilee and beyond === [[File:Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee 2022 - Platinum Pageant (52124830349).jpg|thumb|With the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the [[Platinum Jubilee Pageant]], June 2022]] Elizabeth's [[Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Platinum Jubilee]] celebrations began on 6 February 2022, marking 70 years since her accession.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Turner |first=Lauren |date=5 February 2022 |title=Queen holds reception to mark Platinum Jubilee |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60272124 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221164719/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60272124 |archive-date=21 February 2022 |access-date=5 February 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In her [[accession day]] message, she renewed her commitment to a lifetime of public service, which she had originally made in 1947.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goodey |first=Emma |date=5 February 2022 |title=Accession Day 2022 |url=https://www.royal.uk/accession-day-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220174327/https://www.royal.uk/accession-day-2022 |archive-date=20 February 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=Royal Family |mode=cs2}}</ref> Later that month, she fell ill with COVID-19 along with several family members, but she only exhibited "mild cold-like symptoms", and recovered by the end of the month.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Dulcie |last2=Durbin |first2=Adam |date=20 February 2022 |title=The Queen tests positive for Covid |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60453566 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220115305/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60453566 |archive-date=20 February 2022 |access-date=20 February 2022 |work=BBC News |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last1=Foster |first1=Max |last2=Said-Moorhouse |first2=Lauren |date=20 February 2022 |title=Britain's Queen Elizabeth tests positive for Covid-19 |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/20/uk/queen-elizabeth-coronavirus-intl-gbr/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527235154/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/20/uk/queen-elizabeth-coronavirus-intl-gbr/index.html |archive-date=27 May 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hinton |first=Megan |date=28 February 2022 |title=Queen enjoys time with family after recovering from Covid |url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/queen-recovers-from-covid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305043126/https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/queen-recovers-from-covid |archive-date=5 March 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |publisher=[[LBC]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth was present at [[A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of The Duke of Edinburgh|the service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip]] at Westminster Abbey on 29 March,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lauren |first=Turner |date=29 March 2022 |title=Queen attends Prince Philip memorial service at Westminster Abbey |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60902088 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60902088 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=5 April 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> but was unable to attend both the annual [[Commonwealth Day]] service that month<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Thompson |first=Eliza |date=14 March 2022 |title=Prince Charles Fills in for Queen Elizabeth II at Commonwealth Day Service Alongside Prince William |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-misses-2022-commonwealth-day-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314202741/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-misses-2022-commonwealth-day-service |archive-date=14 March 2022 |access-date=14 March 2022 |magazine=Us Weekly |mode=cs2}}</ref> and the [[Royal Maundy]] service in April, because of "episodic mobility problems".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=Charley |date=14 April 2022 |title=Prince Charles stands in for Queen at Maundy Service |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61111303 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61111303 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In May, she missed the [[State Opening of Parliament]] for the first time in 59 years. (She did not attend the state openings in 1959 and 1963 as she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, respectively.)<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 May 2022 |title=Queen to miss State Opening of Parliament – Prince of Wales to read speech instead |url=https://news.sky.com/story/queen-wont-be-attending-state-opening-of-parliament-12609353 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611195207/https://news.sky.com/story/queen-wont-be-attending-state-opening-of-parliament-12609353 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref> The Queen was largely confined to balcony appearances during the public jubilee celebrations, and she missed the [[Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving|National Service of Thanksgiving]] on 3 June.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Furness |first=Hannah |date=2 June 2022 |title=The Queen to miss service of thanksgiving after suffering discomfort |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/06/02/queen-miss-service-thanksgiving-suffering-discomfort |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627180802/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/06/02/queen-miss-service-thanksgiving-suffering-discomfort |archive-date=27 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 13 June, she became the second-longest reigning monarch in history (among those whose exact dates of reign are known), with 70 years, 127 days on the throne—surpassing King [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]] of Thailand.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Turner |first=Lauren |date=13 June 2022 |title=Queen Elizabeth II becomes second-longest serving monarch |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61774853 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615204423/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61774853 |archive-date=15 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 6 September, she appointed her 15th British prime minister, [[Liz Truss]], at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. This was the only occasion on which Elizabeth received a new prime minister at a location other than Buckingham Palace.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Foster |first1=Max |last2=Said-Moorhouse |first2=Lauren |date=31 August 2022 |title=Queen won't return to London to appoint new British PM, for first time in her reign |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/31/uk/queen-elizabeth-prime-minister-balmoral-intl-gbr/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902004500/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/31/uk/queen-elizabeth-prime-minister-balmoral-intl-gbr/index.html |archive-date=2 September 2022 |access-date=2 September 2022 |publisher=CNN |mode=cs2}}</ref> No other British monarch appointed as many prime ministers.<ref>{{Cite news |title=10 Little known facts about British Prime Ministers |url=https://www.history.co.uk/articles/10-little-known-facts-about-the-british-prime-minister |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010155323/https://www.history.co.uk/articles/10-little-known-facts-about-the-british-prime-minister |archive-date=10 October 2022 |access-date=10 October 2022 |work=Sky HISTORY |mode=cs2}}</ref> The Queen's last public message was issued on 7 September, in which she expressed her sympathy for those affected by the [[Saskatchewan stabbings]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 September 2022 |title=In last public statement, Queen Elizabeth extended condolences following Saskatchewan stabbing rampage |url=https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/in-last-public-statement-queen-elizabeth-extended-condolences-following-saskatchewan-stabbing-rampage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908193354/https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/in-last-public-statement-queen-elizabeth-extended-condolences-following-saskatchewan-stabbing-rampage |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=29 January 2023 |work=[[The StarPhoenix]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth did not plan to [[abdicate]],{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=370–371|Marr|2011|2p=395}} though she took on fewer public engagements in her later years, and Prince Charles performed more of her duties.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last=Mansey |first=Kate |last2=Leake |first2=Jonathan |last3=Hellen |first3=Nicholas |date=19 January 2014 |title=Queen and Charles start to 'job-share' |url=https://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/National/royalwedding/article1365067.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203044636/https://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/National/royalwedding/article1365067.ece |archive-date=3 February 2014 |access-date=20 January 2014 |work=[[The Sunday Times]] |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Marr|2011|p=395}}}}</ref> She told Canadian {{Not a typo|governor-general}} [[Adrienne Clarkson]] in a meeting in 2002 that she would never abdicate, saying, "It is not our tradition. Although, I suppose if I became completely gaga, one would have to do something."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tasker |first=John Paul |date=19 September 2022 |title=Canada is the country it is today because of Queen Elizabeth, Mulroney says at memorial service |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-commemorative-ceremony-live-1.6585991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113010752/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-commemorative-ceremony-live-1.6585991 |archive-date=13 January 2023 |access-date=15 October 2022 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> In June 2022, Elizabeth met the Archbishop of Canterbury, [[Justin Welby]], who "came away thinking there is someone who has no fear of death, has hope in the future, knows the rock on which she stands and that gives her strength."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=9 September 2022 |title=Queen had no fear of death, says archbishop of Canterbury |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/09/queen-had-no-fear-of-death-says-archbishop-of-canterbury-justin-welby |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909105236/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/09/queen-had-no-fear-of-death-says-archbishop-of-canterbury-justin-welby |archive-date=9 September 2022 |access-date=9 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. 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