Queen Elizabeth II meets Pope Francis for the first time on 3 April 2014 on a visit that coincides with the anniversary of the start of the Falklands War between Britain and Argentina. Previously, Elizabeth II had met with four Pontiffs, starting with Pius XII in 1951, a year before her accession to the throne. The queen has visited the Vatican twice during her reign, once to meet John XXIII in 1961 and again in 2000 to see John Paul II, and met Benedict XVI in Britain, during his Apostolic Visit in September 2010.
Pope Francis presented the Queen with apriceless gift for Prince George at the Vatican. The orb made from lapis lazuli semi-precious stone featuring a silver cross of St Edward the Confessor was given to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to pass on to her heir. This was accompanied by a manuscript dating back to 1679 proclaiming the saint day of Edward the Confessor. The Pope explained “it’s for the little boy” as he handed the gifts over. The ornament – made especially for the occasion – featured an inscription saying: “From Pope Francis to Prince George of Cambridge.” Prince Philip was delighted with his gift from the Pope – three gold medals bearing the Pontiff’s face. He joked: “That’s very kind of you, that’s the only gold medal I have ever won.” In a friendly exchange they presented two signed pictures of themselves in silver frames and a hamper of goodies from the Royal Estates.
The new Queen waves from the balcony, next to Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother Elizabeth (Source: Daily Mail)
This summer marks the 60th anniversary of one of the most momentous occasions in 20th-century, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. It was a solemn ceremony conducted by Dr Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury. The ceremony was broadcast on radio around the world and, at The Queen’s request, on television for the first time. An estimated 3 million people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the new Queen, at Buckingham Palace.
To mark the anniversary of the event, a major exhibition for the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace will bring together for the first time since Coronation Day, a spectacular array of dress, uniform and robes worn by the principal royal party. Works of art, paintings and objects used on the day will also be on display to recreate the atmosphere of that extraordinary occasion.
The exhibition (27 July-29 September 2013) reveals some of the most beautiful and expertly designed dresses and robes ever made, detailing their ownership and history, and this extensive collection is the first time these items have brought together since the coronation itself.
Coronation Pen. Creator: Francis J.C. Cooper (designer). Provenance: Presented to Queen Elizabeth II by the Worshipful Company of Scriveners, for use at the coronation of 1953
Gold-mounted, enamelled and jewelled ivory pen, used by The Queen at the Coronation in 1953. The pen is in the form of an ivory quill, with a gold central vane and nib; a representation of the Sword of State – which is borne before the Sovereign as she proceeds to the altar to sign the Coronation oath – forms the rib of the quill. Over this is placed a jewelled and enamelled crown supported by two cherubs (representing Prince Charles and Princess Anne). On either side of the sword’s hilt are the letters E.R. The shaft is applied with the coat of arms and motto of the Scriveners’ Company (Litera Scripta Manet – ‘The written word remains’), and enamelled red and white roses. The back of the pen carries a presentation inscription, ‘To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Presented by the Company of Scriveners. Coronation Day 1953.’ (Source Royal Collection)
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Queen Elizabeth II with producer John McAndrew and director John Bennett (R) watch the recording of her Christmas message to the Commonwealth which is to be broadcast in 3D for the first in the White Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace on December 7, 2012. Continue reading →
Prime Minister David Cameron greets HM Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II makes historic visit to 10 Downing Street and sits with Prime Minister David Cameron at the UK government weekly cabinet meeting, 18 December, 2012.
In a televised address recorded in the Presence Room in Buckingham Palace yesterday before the Jubilee Concert, the Queen said the celebrations to mark her Diamond Jubilee year had been a “humbling experience”.
“It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere,” the Queen said in her message that was transmitted on television and radio at 6pm in the UK and across the Commonwealth. She added: “I hope that memories of all this year’s happy events will brighten our lives for many years to come.”
The Queen visits the Chelsea Flower Show (22 May 2012)
A new poll shows that 80 % of Britons want to remain subjects of the Queen, with just 13 % in favour of living in a republic, the lowest proportion for at least 20 years. More than 1,000 British adults polled last weekend were asked: “Would you favour Britain becoming a republic or remaining a monarchy?” Support for the monarchy is highest among the over-55s, at 88 %, but even in the 18-24 age group 73 % favour the current system, with just 17 per cent wanting a republic and 10 % undecided. Conservative supporters are most likely to be monarchists – 96% prefer Britain to have a monarch rather than become a republic compared to three quarters (74%) of Labour supporters and 84% of Liberal Democrats.
A spokesman of Ipsos MORI said: “Since the Royal wedding the publicity the Royal family has received has been phenomenal, particularly for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge”.
History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next. So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.
As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees. Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977. Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.
Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office. I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.
