AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE OF HISTORIC SERVICE
As Elizabeth II passed into history on September 8, 2022, a double rainbow appeared over Buckingham Palace, which was most fitting with her exceptional life and historic reign as sovereign of the United Kingdom. It is noteworthy that three of the most consequential eras of British history were led by the formidable queens Elizabeth I, Victoria and Elizabeth II. The first established England as a European power, the second led Britain to global prominence and the third established a Commonwealth during an era that tested British unity and endurance. The seven-decade reign of Elizabeth II began following World War II and an unraveling empire with Winston Churchill as her first Prime Minister. Likewise, she continued through the Cold War and Britain’s economic decline under socialism, a revival with prime minister Margaret Thatcher, and more the recent challenges of Brexit, calls for an independent Scotland and the COVID pandemic.
CONVICTION AND SENSE OF DUTY
We perhaps forget the accidental if providential nature of Elizabeth II’s reign, steadfastly supported by her devoted husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Her father George VI became king because of the 1936 abdication of her uncle Edward VIII, who wanted to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Consequently, George VI had to rebuild the credibility of the monarchy as well as lead an embattled nation through World War II. Therefore, this was the postwar Britain that Elizabeth II inherited following the untimely death of her father in 1952. It is important to realize Elizabeth II came of age with conviction and a sense of duty forged in an era that we today cannot truly appreciate. We think of the monarchy in terms of celebrity and melodrama. She thought of it in terms of tradition and service. Furthermore, her steadying influence served her peoples at home and abroad well.
EMPIRE TO COMMONWEALTH
Moreover, as the British Empire evolved into a Commonwealth, colonies formerly governed from London struggled to become new constitutional nations. Likewise, understandable resentments surfaced. But Elizabeth II’s approach to office and natural intuition rose to the occasion. It can rightfully be said that her quiet determination and sense of fairness forged the Commonwealth. For example, how Elizabeth II dealt with the Cold War challenge of Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah. In 1961. Britain and America feared that Ghana would leave the Commonwealth and align itself with the Soviet Union. Therefore, visiting Ghana, the queen famously danced with Nkrumah, during an era when America was still segregated. The historic significance of this event cannot be overstated. Likewise, the graceful dance demonstrated intelligent foresight, respect for Africa and Africans, realism about decolonization and a genuine commitment to diversity.
ROSE OF YORK
As our last living world leader who experienced World War II, Elizabeth II was a fierce advocate of the British armed forces, her Commonwealth and the essential alliance with the United States of America. Moreover, these firm roots were deep within her. For example, on July 6, 1944, Princess Elizabeth, accompanied by her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, christened a U. S. Army Air Forces B-17 bomber “Rose of York” and the aircrew dedicated the big silver airplane to the princess. Furthermore, the ceremony took place at the Eighth Air Force base, Thurleigh, Bedfordshire. The bomber and her crew were members of the 367th Bombardment Squadron of the famed 306th Bomb Group. But on February 3, 1945, enemy fire hit the airplane over Berlin. Consequently, the crippled bomber went down over the English Channel. No wreckage was ever located, and the aircrew remains missing in action.
EXTRAORDINARY AND CONSEQUENTIAL REIGN
The incredible reign of Elizabeth II and the second Elizabethan Era were extraordinary and consequential. She was always an inspirational and reliable rock of consistency for Britain and the world. Most recently, in her important “We Will Meet Again Address,” she met the COVID-19 crisis head-on. Moreover, she exemplified the quality and grace of a true leader. In conclusion, the widely respected and beloved Elizabeth II transcended an ancient and arguably antiquated hereditary monarchy. The queen avoided politics in a way that her son and heir Charles III has generally not. Her views on important matters from the Suez crisis to Brexit remain unknown or implied. She mastered the art of being both steadfast and beloved. We may never see the likes of her again. It now falls upon Charles III to carry on with equanimity, presence of mind and sense of purpose.
THE EXCEPTIONAL ALLIANCE
In conclusion, the essentiAL aNGLO-aMERICAN championed and cherished by Elizabeth II, is described in my books America Ascendant, The Rise of American Exceptionalism and Glenn Miller Declassified. Likewise, the forthcoming work, America and Britain, The Essential Alliance, will include the consequential relationship of Elizabeth II with the United States. recent related articles include Defiant Ukraine and NATO Reborn