Queen Elizabeth II
Between the anniversary of the throne and the day of death
Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 70th jubilee on the throne on Sunday.
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Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 70th throne anniversary on Sunday. Royal expert Julia Melchior explains what she wants for the official celebration.
Sunday (February 6th) marks the 70th anniversary of the day when the then Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II (95). A day of celebration. But it is also the anniversary of the death of her father, King George VI. (1895-1952), from whom she took over the reins in 1952. How the British Queen will spend the coming Sunday, what is most important to her – the anniversary of her death or the anniversary of the throne – and what makes the official celebrations for the platinum anniversary in June so special, the news agency spot on news spoke to a royal expert (TV film “Powerpaare” in June on Arte/ZDF) and author (“Royal Weddings – Royal Weddings”) Julia Melchior in an interview.
King George VI died on February 6th. and Princess Elizabeth became Queen. How will the Queen spend the 70th anniversary this February 6th?
Julia Melchior: Queen Elizabeth II will receive a lot of appreciation on February 6th simply because that’s the date she assumed the reins. A historically unbelievable date. She herself will probably celebrate the day in silent remembrance again. The big celebrations then take place in June.
And what will be in the foreground for her, the 70th anniversary of her father’s death or the 70th anniversary of the throne?
Melchior: After 70 years, the anniversary of death is probably no longer so important. It was certainly different in the first few years after the death of her beloved father, with whom she had a very close relationship. For her, the moment of accession to the throne was above all a moment of deep sadness and at the same time a turning point in her young life. At the age of 26, the responsibility fell on her with all her obligations. Also the young marital bliss with Prince Philip [1921-2021, Red.] From now on she had to subordinate to the service for the crown and fatherland. 70 years later, however, she can look back on her life with pride.
Does Queen Elizabeth II generally deal publicly with death?
Melchior: Yes, she does. She talks about the death of her husband – “my beloved Philip”, as she is heard to say – and in hidden messages also about her own death. In November, for health reasons, she was unable to take part in various events that are actually very dear to her. In a statement to the Church of England apologizing for her absence, the Queen wrote: “None of us can stop time.” This shows that she is concerned with death.
Most recently, in her very touching Christmas speech, she gave a glimpse into the depths of her heart when she recalled that Christmas is a celebration of joy, but that it is also difficult for many people who have lost a loved one. An experience she makes herself. Over nine million viewers listened to the Christmas speech and witnessed a side of the Queen that is otherwise hidden from most.
The platinum anniversary is to be celebrated officially and publicly over four days in June. What do you find particularly remarkable about the plans that have been announced so far?
Melchior: The queen wants a communal experience. It’s not so much about letting herself be celebrated. That says a lot about her. She wants to give people the opportunity to come together and be happy together. This is a strong signal, especially after the pandemic years of deprivation.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (81) celebrated her 50th jubilee from the throne in January, which is also a proud achievement. The celebrations for this have been postponed to September because of Corona, but it is known that everything will be a little more centered on her person. For example, there will be a big banquet with all the crowned heads of Europe coming to pay homage to her. But the two queens are 14 years apart, which of course also makes a difference in how you celebrate such celebrations.