The Queen was described as a ‘beacon of womankind’ by celebrity photographer Mary McCartney who captured the image of her sitting at a desk in Buckingham Palace working on matters of state.
Queen Elizabeth II becomes Britain’s longest-reigning monarch later when she passes the record set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. The Queen will have reigned for 63 years and seven months – calculated at 23,226 days, 16 hours and approximately 30 minutes at about 17:30 BST. (via BBC)
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth meets Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness during a private audience at Hillsborough Castle, 23 June 2014. Deputy leader of Sinn Fein Martin McGuinness took part in his first one-on-one meeting with the Queen last night. (Source: Irish Independent).
Martin McGuinness:
I think from the contributions made by Queen Elizabeth it’s quite clear indeed – her visit to Dublin, meeting me in Belfast two years ago, the visit to Windsor Castle and again today – that she is someone who absolutely and passionately supports the peace process.
Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness says the Queen’s visit to the notorious Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast will be greeted by many ‘with astonishment’
Queen Elizabeth II, Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson (R) and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness (L) visit the Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre on June 24, 2014 in Belfast
Sinn Fein veteran and former IRA commander Mr McGuinness was held in the prison for over a month in 1976 on a charge of IRA membership – a count that was later dropped in court.
The portrait by David Bailey, released by Buckingham Palace for the monarch’s 88th birthday, shows her looking relaxed and happy, in a refreshing departure from her formal responsibilities. David Bailey said: “I’ve always been a huge fan of the Queen. She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I’ve always liked strong women and she is a very strong woman.”
The Queen is wearing pearls and a dress by Angela Kelly, who has served as her personal assistant and senior dresser since 2002. Her brooch, a large pearl button surrounded by diamonds with a pearl pendant, was passed down to her from her great-great-grandmother.
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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