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 other Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death in 2022. She ruled 32 sovereign states during her lifetime, and 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. She also holds the record as the longest-reigning queen regnant in history.

Sections (6)

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

1947: Commitment to Public Service

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accession day message in February 2022, she renewed her commitment to a lifetime of public service, which she had originally made in 1947.

1952: Elizabeth's Accession and Role in the Commonwealth

By 1952, with Elizabeth's accession, her role as head of multiple independent states within the Commonwealth of Nations was already established, marking the ongoing transformation of the British Empire.

1960: Adoption of the Mountbatten-Windsor Surname

In 1960, the surname Mountbatten-Windsor was adopted for Philip and Elizabeth's male-line descendants who do not carry royal titles. This decision incorporated Philip's family name into the lineage of the royal family.

1966: Aberfan Mining Disaster

In 1966, Elizabeth was criticized for waiting eight days before visiting the village of Aberfan, where a mining disaster killed 116 children and 28 adults. The delay was later regretted.

November 1999: Australian Monarchy Referendum

In November 1999, a referendum in Australia on the future of the Australian monarchy favored its retention.

2000: Christmas Message 2000

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

2002: Golden Jubilee

In 2002, Elizabeth II marked her Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of her accession. Despite the deaths of her sister and mother earlier in the year, the Jubilee was a success, marked by extensive tours, street parties, and commemorative events.

2002: Statement on Abdication

In a meeting in 2002, Elizabeth told Canadian governor-general Adrienne Clarkson that she would never abdicate, stating, "It is not our tradition. Although, I suppose if I became completely gaga, one would have to do something."

2006: Strong Support for Monarchy

Polls in Britain in 2006 revealed strong support for the monarchy.

November 2007: Diamond Wedding Anniversary

In November 2007, Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary.

December 2007: Longest-Lived British Monarch

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

2007: Strong Support for Monarchy

Polls in Britain in 2007 revealed strong support for the monarchy.

2008: Tuvalu Referendum

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

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 on Australian Monarchy

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

2012: Opened London Olympics

In 2012, Elizabeth II opened the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in London, making her the first head of state to open two Olympic Games in two countries. She also portrayed herself in a short film alongside Daniel Craig as James Bond for the opening ceremony.

2012: Diamond Jubilee

In 2012, Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee marked 60 years since her accession, with celebrations held throughout her realms and the Commonwealth. Jubilee beacons were lit around the world on June 4. On December 18, the Queen became the first British sovereign to attend a peacetime Cabinet meeting since George III in 1781.

2012: Diamond Jubilee Approval Ratings

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

April 2013: Honorary BAFTA Award

On April 4, 2013, Elizabeth II 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.

January 2015: Oldest Living Monarch

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

September 2015: Longest-Reigning British Monarch

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

October 2016: Longest-Reigning Current Monarch

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

February 2017: Sapphire Jubilee

On 6 February 2017, Elizabeth became the first British monarch to commemorate a sapphire jubilee.

November 2017: Oldest Current Head of State

In November 2017, Elizabeth became the oldest current head of state on 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

As of 2021 she remained the third most admired woman in the world according to the annual Gallup poll, her 52 appearances on the list meaning she had been in the top ten more than any other woman in the poll's history.

2021: Turnbull's Statement on Australians

In 2021, Malcolm Turnbull believed that Australians would not vote to become a republic in her lifetime, stating there were more Elizabethans than monarchists.

February 2022: Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Begin

On 6 February 2022, Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations began, marking 70 years since her accession. In her accession day message, she renewed her commitment to a lifetime of public service.

June 2022: Meeting with Archbishop of Canterbury

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."