AS AMERICANS PROTEST THE WORK OF A NEW LEADER, OUR FRIENDS ACROSS THE POND CELEBRATE THEIR LONGEST-REIGNING MONARCH.
A MONARCH IS A LEADER OF A MONARCHY – THAT’S A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN WHICH ONE PERSON REIGNS – IN THIS CASE IT’S THE QUEEN. THE AUTHORITY, OR CROWN, IN A MONARCHY IS GENERALLY INHERITED.
LAST WEEK, BRITAIN'S QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND HIT A MILESTONE NO OTHER MONARCH IN THE WORLD HAS EVER ACHIEVED. THE QUEEN IS MARKING 65-YEARS ON THE THRONE... KNOWN AS THE SAPPHIRE JUBILEE.
IN THIS REISSUED PHOTO FROM 20-14, SHE'S WEARING SAPPHIRE JEWELRY... GIVEN TO HER AS A WEDDING GIFT BY HER FATHER IN 19-47.
CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON INCLUDED A 41-GUN SALUTE AT GREEN PARK, A 62-GUN SALUTE AT THE TOWER OF LONDON AND A BELL-RINGING AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
THE QUEEN ASCENDED TO THE THRONE IN 19-52 AFTER HER FATHER... KING GEORGE THE SIXTH DIED.
SHE WAS JUST 25 AT THE TIME.
Instructional Links
Interactive Timeline: Queen Elizabeth II: Britain’s Longest Reigning Monarch | Includes articles & images.
Website: Home of the Royal Family | Official website of the British royal family.
Website Article: The Royal Mint, Everything You Need to Know about The Queen’s Sapphire Jubilee
Encyclopedia Article: World Book Student, Monarchy | May need password.
Website Article: The British Monarchy, The British Queen, Queen Elizabeth II