Queen Elizabeth II has just celebrated 70 years on the throne becoming the UK’s longest-reigning monarch of all times. With the celebrations came a huge reflection over her reign in the past seven decades, her hits and misses over the years, and of course the controversies and how she’s managed them.
All in all, there’s something that hasn’t changed over her reign, and that is the witty and moving way she’s addressed her nation. Whether it’s a celebratory message, condolences over tragedies, or diplomatic speeches, Queen Elizabeth has always had a very peculiar and sophisticated way to make people reflect on their own lives and actions in an attempt to become better selves.
If you don’t believe me, here are 10 of Queen Elizabeth’s most touching and inspiring quotes that demonstrate she’s an innate leader, even when she wasn’t destined to do so.
“And when peace comes, remember it will be for us, the children of today, to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place.” — the Queen’s first public speech as Princess Elizabeth in 1940
“It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the harsh progress of mankind.” —1966 Christmas message.
“Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom.” —1991 Christmas message.
“Perhaps we make too much of what is wrong and too little of what is right. The trouble with gloom is that it feeds upon itself and depression causes more depression.” —1974 Christmas message.
“Grief is the price we pay for love.” —Message to the victims of 9/11.
“Our modern world places such heavy demands on our time and attention that the need to remember our responsibilities to others is greater than ever.” —2002 Christmas message.
“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.” —United Nations General Assembly in July 2010.
“Whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.” —Ireland state banquet in 2011.
“I believe that, young or old, we have as much to look forward to with confidence and hope as we have to look back on with pride.” —Golden Jubilee, June 2012.
“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” — 2019 Christmas message.
