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Queen Elizabeth II's Most Inspiring Quotes Over the Years

09/09/2022 - 10:10 AM

She spent seven decades as Queen and was head of state for 15 countries at the time of her death [1], so it's fair to assume that Queen Elizabeth II had picked up some words of wisdom during her reign as Britain's longest-serving monarch. She oversaw 15 prime ministers, greeted some of the world's most wonderful minds, and held formal affairs with people from all backgrounds and cultures, but on 8 Sept, her passing at age 96 was confirmed in a statement by Buckingham Palace.

She became Queen at the age of just 25 [2] in 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI, and had been the one constant throughout decades of change. From postwar Britain through her "annus horribilis" and the joyous arrival of her great-grandchildren [3], the Queen had no doubt seen and heard it all. Through her Christmas Day speeches, which became a tradition for households up and down the country, she imparted inspiring words to help rally the nation, and she delivered uplifting quips during her royal engagements. As the dawn of King Charles III begins and the world mourns the loss [4] of Her Majesty, take a look back at some of the Queen's most profound, poignant, and perceptive quotes during her impressive reign.

On Sensibility

"Although my experience is so short and my task so new, I have in my parents and grandparents an example which I can follow with certainty and with confidence." — From her Coronation Day speech in 1953 [6]

"The upward course of a nation's history is due in the long run to the soundness of heart of its average men and women." — From her Christmas broadcast in 1954 [7]

"Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom, and we must always be ready to listen and respect other points of view." — From her Christmas broadcast in 1991 [8]

On Resilience

"When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future." — From her Christmas broadcast in 2008 [9]

"It is my hope that, when judged by future generations, our sincerity, our willingness to take a lead, and our determination to do the right thing, will stand the test of time." — From her address to the UN General Assembly in 2010 [10]

"Families, friends, and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within. Indeed, sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often draws out the most and the best from the human spirit." — From her Christmas broadcast in 2011 [11]

On Tolerance

"I welcome the opportunity to speak to all the people of the British Commonwealth and Empire, wherever they live, whatever race they come from, and whatever language they speak." — From her 21st birthday speech in Cape Town in 1947 [12]

"It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult." — From her Christmas broadcast in 1957 [13]

"Discrimination still exists. Some people feel that their own beliefs are being threatened. Some are unhappy about unfamiliar cultures. They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others; that diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat." — From her Christmas broadcast in 2004 [14]

On Prince Philip

"My husband has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years, and I owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim." — From her Golden Wedding Anniversary speech at Banqueting House in 1997 [15]

"Prince Philip is, I believe, well known for declining compliments of any kind. But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide." — From her Diamond Jubilee address to the Parliament in 2012 [16]


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