As Great Britain — and millions of Britons worldwide — celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne, the symbolic relevance of her reign cannot be highlighted enough.
The Queen’s relevance in the context of Britain and as the head of Commonwealth Nations will be re-examined through the ages. Her influence over her people via the country’s social, economic and cultural platforms will be also scrutinised.
The British monarchy dates back to over a 1,000 years and for the past six decades the Queen has been witness to the rapidly changing face of the world through the very same platforms that she, her country and her people have sought to seek adjustment.
The longest serving British monarch has been Queen Victoria — 63 years and 216 days. Queen Elizabeth trails her by four years. She has also to surpass the reign of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej — 66 years — as the longest serving head of state. But it is relevance that counts.
As governments and people continue to undergo rapid transformations, the significance of the Queen’s reign cannot be underestimated.. It is a sobering influence that she has sought to impart. The festivities therefore will not be out of place even as the people are divided, though only in some cases, over the influence of the monarchy.
