Britain's Queen Elizabeth prepares for her speech in the House of Lord's Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament in London, Britain May 11, 2021. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS
The Queen always had a quip at hand and shared many a wise word.
We look back at some of the most memorable remarks made by Her Majesty The Queen.
Quotes from the Queen
In 1947, when she was 21 and five years before her ascendence to the throne, Princess Elizabeth made a speech in which she pledged her commitment to duty:
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.”
During her coronation in 1953:
“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”
In a 2010 address to the United Nations, she spoke of the importance of leadership and how critical the role of the United Nations continues to be in upholding human rights in the 21st century:
“I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together”.
In a speech at a state banquet at Dublin Castle on her historic first visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011:
“The lessons from the peace process are clear; whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.”
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth poses, after recording her annual Christmas Day message in Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, Britain, in this undated pool picture released on December 24, 2019. Steve Parsons/Pool via REUTERS – RC2C1E9NXUCM
The Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message 2021:
“The testing times experienced by so many have led to a deeper appreciation of the mutual support and spiritual sustenance we enjoy by being connected to others”.
The tenth anniversary of the Christchurch earthquakes:
“While there are many sad memories of that terrible time, there is also solace in remembering how your community rose to the challenge of rebuilding your lives and supporting each other”
Her Majesty’s Christmas broadcast in 2015:
“There’s an old saying that ‘it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness’.”
A speech by The Queen at the Home Office, 2015:
“A life of public service is an honourable calling: you have the opportunity to shape people’s lives, inspire others, and uphold the very highest standards.”
Commonwealth Day message, 11 March 2002:
“The true celebration of diversity involves reaching out, recognising and embracing difference, and in so doing enriching our lives. It requires respect for others and a readiness to learn from them; recognising that we have duties as well as rights; and seeking to leave the world a better place than the one we inherited.”
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