How Elizabeth II Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Elizabeth II across different fields.

Elizabeth II reigned as Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states and monarch of 15 at the time of her death. Her reign, lasting 70 years and 214 days, is the longest of any British monarch and the second-longest of any sovereign.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1947: Renewal of commitment to public service

In her accession day message in February 2022, Elizabeth II renewed her commitment to a lifetime of public service, which she had originally made in 1947.

November 1999: Australian monarchy referendum

In November 1999, a referendum in Australia on the future of the Australian monarchy favoured its retention in preference to an indirectly elected head of state.

2000: Christmas Message of 2000

In her annual Christmas Message to the Commonwealth in 2000, Elizabeth II included a personal note about her faith.

2002: Meeting with Canadian Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson

In 2002, Elizabeth II told Canadian governor-general Adrienne Clarkson in a meeting 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."

2006: Strong support for the monarchy

In 2006, polls in Britain revealed strong support for the monarchy.

December 2007: Longest-lived British monarch

In December 2007, Elizabeth II surpassed Queen Victoria to become the longest-lived British monarch.

2007: Strong support for the monarchy

In 2007, polls in Britain revealed strong support for the monarchy.

2008: Tuvalu referendum

In 2008, a referendum in Tuvalu saw voters reject proposals to become a republic.

2009: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines referendum

In 2009, a referendum in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines saw voters reject proposals to become republics.

2010: Gillard's assessment of affection for Elizabeth

In 2010, Prime Minister Julia Gillard noted that there was a "deep affection" for Elizabeth II in Australia and that another referendum on the monarchy should wait until after her reign.

2012: Diamond Jubilee approval ratings

In 2012, Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee year, her approval ratings hit 90 percent.

January 2015: Oldest living monarch

In January 2015, Elizabeth II became the oldest living monarch following the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

September 2015: Longest-reigning British monarch

In September 2015, Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning British monarch, the longest-reigning queen regnant, and the longest-reigning female head of state in the world.

October 2016: Longest-reigning current monarch and head of state

In October 2016, following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning current monarch and the longest-serving current head of state.

February 2017: Sapphire Jubilee

In February 2017, Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to commemorate a sapphire jubilee, marking 65 years on the throne.

November 2017: Oldest current head of state

In November 2017, Elizabeth II became the oldest current head of state upon the resignation of Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.

April 2018: Succession as Head of the Commonwealth

On April 20, 2018, Commonwealth heads of government announced that Charles would succeed Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth, which she stated as her "sincere wish".

2021: Most admired woman in the world

As of 2021 Elizabeth II remained the third most admired woman in the world according to the annual Gallup poll, with 52 appearances on the list.

2021: Turnbull's assessment of Elizabethans vs monarchists

In 2021, Malcolm Turnbull believed that Australians would not vote to become a republic in Elizabeth's lifetime, saying, "She's been an extraordinary head of state" and "there are more Elizabethans than there are monarchists."

February 2022: Platinum Jubilee celebrations began

On February 6, 2022, Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations began, marking 70 years since her accession.

June 2022: Meeting with Archbishop of Canterbury

In June 2022, Elizabeth II met with 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."