A Century of Royal Service

As the longest reigning Windsor monarch Her Majesty The Queen has become one of the hardest working members of the royal household. Throughout her 64-year reign she has embodied the commitment she made in her 21st birthday speech, in 1947. Though it was l five years before she replaced her father, George VI, on the throne, she spoke the famous words:

“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.” Since her coronation she has kept this pledge, visiting 117 countries across the world and the Commonwealth and has been known to carry out hundreds of public engagements every year. She and the other members of the Royal Family continue to support a huge range of charities and organisations, from education and the environment, to hospitals and housing.