Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having ascended to the throne in 1952. She is not only a powerful figurehead but also one of the wealthiest people in the world. Let’s take a closer look at Queen Elizabeth II’s wealth and how she has accumulated it over the years.
Born on April 21, 1926, in London, England, Queen Elizabeth II was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Her father’s unexpected ascension to the throne in 1936, following the abdication of his brother King Edward VIII, meant that young Elizabeth was thrust into the public eye at an early age.
Despite the challenges of growing up as a royal, Queen Elizabeth II has led a remarkable life. She has traveled extensively, met with countless world leaders, and presided over many important events and ceremonies. Along the way, she has amassed a considerable fortune, estimated to be around $600 million, according to Forbes.
So how has Queen Elizabeth II accumulated her wealth? Much of it comes from her ownership of various estates and properties, including the famous Balmoral Castle and Sandringham House. She also receives income from the Crown Estate, a portfolio of properties and assets that are owned by the monarch but managed by an independent organization. In 2020, the Crown Estate generated a net income of £345 million ($485 million), much of which goes to the Queen to fund her official duties and charitable endeavors.
In addition to her personal wealth, Queen Elizabeth II also holds various investments and shares in companies, including BP and British Airways. She has been known to invest in the stock market, and her portfolio is managed by a team of financial experts.
Despite her wealth and privilege, Queen Elizabeth II is known for her frugality and modesty. She reportedly still uses a handbag that she received as a gift in 1968 and is known to recycle outfits for public appearances. She is also actively involved in various charitable causes and has worked tirelessly throughout her reign to promote British culture and diplomacy.
In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth II is not only a beloved figurehead of the British monarchy but also a wealthy and influential person in her own right. Her accumulated wealth comes from various sources, including ownership of estates, income from the Crown Estate, and investments in various companies. However, she remains grounded and committed to her duties as a monarch and a symbol of British tradition and values.
Timeline
- April 21, 1926: Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor is born in London, England, the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York.
- December 11, 1936: Elizabeth’s father ascends to the throne as King George VI following the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII.
- November 20, 1947: Princess Elizabeth marries Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey.
- February 6, 1952: King George VI dies, and Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 25.
- June 2, 1953: Queen Elizabeth II is crowned at Westminster Abbey in a lavish ceremony.
- 1957: The Queen and Prince Philip make their first official tour of the Commonwealth, visiting countries including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
- 1960s: The Queen and her family become regular fixtures on television, with the royal family’s personal lives and public duties increasingly documented in the media.
- 1977: Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years on the throne.
- 1981: Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer in a highly publicized ceremony.
- 1992: The year becomes known as the Queen’s “annus horribilis” due to a series of personal and public setbacks, including the separation of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the publication of intimate details of the royal family’s private lives, and a fire at Windsor Castle.
- 1997: Princess Diana dies in a car crash in Paris, leading to a period of national mourning in the UK.
- 2002: Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on the throne.
- 2012: The Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne with a series of events and celebrations throughout the UK.
- 2015: Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing the record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
- 2021: The Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, dies at the age of 99. The Queen continues to carry out her official duties, including virtual engagements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are just a few of the key moments in Queen Elizabeth II’s long and eventful life and reign.
5 interesting Facts
- Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 corgis during her reign, and is known for her love of the breed.
- The Queen learned to drive during World War II and is the only person in the UK who is allowed to drive without a license.
- Queen Elizabeth II is fluent in French and often uses the language when communicating with French-speaking dignitaries.
- The Queen has a keen interest in horses and horse racing, and has several racehorses of her own.
- In addition to her role as head of state, Queen Elizabeth II is also the head of the Church of England and holds the title of “Defender of the Faith.”
And here are five quotes from Queen Elizabeth II:
- “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
- “Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of family disagreements.”
- “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
- “I have to be seen to be believed.”
- “It is as Queen of Canada that I am here. Queen of Canada and all Canadians, not just one or two ancestral strains.”
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