Queen Elizabeth II Net Worth: A Reign of Distinction, and Grace

Queen Elizabeth II, born on April 21, 1926 was the longest-reigning monarch until she died on 8 September 2022. Her remarkable life has been marked by steadfast dedication to duty, a deep sense of tradition, and the ability to adapt to the changing times. Let’s delve into the various aspects of Queen Elizabeth II and her net worth, from her early years to her reign, awards, achievements and legacy.

Queen Elizabeth II Net Worth

Early Years

Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, as the first child of Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), and his wife, Elizabeth, Duchess of York (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother). Her upbringing primarily took place at various royal residences, including 145 Piccadilly and Royal Lodge in Windsor. She was affectionately called “Lilibet” by her family and was deeply cherished by her grandfather, King George V. Elizabeth’s younger sister, Princess Margaret, was born in 1930, and the two princesses were educated at home under the supervision of their mother and governess, Marion Crawford.

During her early years, Elizabeth’s position in the line of succession to the British throne was influenced by the abdication crisis of 1936, which saw her uncle, King Edward VIII, renounce the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. This event elevated her father, Prince Albert, to the throne as King George VI, making Elizabeth the heir presumptive. Throughout her adolescence, Elizabeth received private tuition in constitutional history and learned French from native-speaking governesses. She also participated in organizations like the Girl Guides and the Sea Rangers.

1939 – 1951

Amidst the turmoil of World War II, Elizabeth remained in Britain with her family, steadfastly refusing to be evacuated to Canada. She undertook public engagements, addressed the nation via radio broadcasts, and trained as a driver and mechanic with the Auxiliary Territorial Service. After the war, she joined the celebration of Victory in Europe Day, mingling with crowds incognito in London.

In 1947, Elizabeth embarked on her first overseas tour of southern Africa with her parents. On her 21st birthday, she pledged her lifelong dedication to the service of the British Commonwealth. Later that year, she became engaged to her distant cousin, Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, whom she had known since childhood. Despite initial reservations about the match, they were married in November 1947 at Westminster Abbey.

Following their marriage, Elizabeth and Philip welcomed their first two children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne. They lived at various residences, including Clarence House in London and Villa Guardamangia in Malta, where Philip was stationed with the Royal Navy. Throughout these early years of marriage and motherhood, Elizabeth balanced her royal duties with her growing family responsibilities.

During a tour of Canada and the U.S. in October 1951, a draft accession declaration was carried in case her father passed away.

Reign

In early 1952, while on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, Elizabeth learned of her father’s death. She chose to retain the regnal name Elizabeth II, which was somewhat controversial in Scotland. The coronation took place on June 2, 1953, televised for the first time, and her gown featured floral emblems of Commonwealth countries.

Throughout her reign, Elizabeth undertook extensive global travel, including a seven-month tour covering 13 countries in 1953. The 1956 Suez crisis, where Britain and France invaded Egypt, led to criticism, and Harold Macmillan was appointed prime minister in 1957. In 1957, Elizabeth visited the U.S., addressed the United Nations, and opened the Canadian Parliament. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed the decolonization of Africa and the Caribbean. Elizabeth’s third child, Prince Andrew, was born in 1960, and Prince Edward was born in 1964. In 1965, Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith declared independence, leading to sanctions.

In 1972, Elizabeth visited Yugoslavia, marking the first time a British monarch visited a communist country. However, her delay in visiting Aberfan after a mining disaster in 1966 drew criticism. Despite challenges, Elizabeth’s reign continued to navigate significant geopolitical changes and challenges, reflecting the evolving nature of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations.

In February 1974, Edward Heath advised Elizabeth to call a general election during her tour, resulting in a hung parliament. Harold Wilson formed a government after Heath’s resignation. In 1975, during the Australian constitutional crisis, Elizabeth declined to intervene when Prime Minister Whitlam was dismissed by the Governor-General. The Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977 reaffirmed Elizabeth’s popularity amid family controversies.

1980 – 2011

In the 1980s, Elizabeth faced challenges such as security threats, media scrutiny, and strained relations with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau. She addressed Congress after the Gulf War victory. The “annus horribilis” of 1992 saw royal family scandals, including Windsor Castle’s fire and Charles and Diana’s separation.

In 1997, Diana’s death brought public criticism of the royal family’s response. Elizabeth’s visit to India faced protests over British colonial history. Her Golden Jubilee in 2002 was marred by personal losses but was widely celebrated. Legal battles with the press, health issues, and missed engagements marked the early 2000s for Elizabeth.

In May 2007, reports suggested that Queen Elizabeth was concerned about British military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and frustrated with some of Tony Blair’s policies. However, she admired Blair’s efforts for peace in Northern Ireland. She celebrated her diamond wedding anniversary in November 2007 and attended the first Maundy service held outside England and Wales in March 2008.

In 2010, Elizabeth addressed the UN General Assembly for the second time and visited New York, where she opened a memorial garden for British victims of the 9/11 attacks. She made her 16th visit to Australia in 2011 and conducted the first state visit to the Republic of Ireland in May of the same year.

2012 – 2022

Her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 marked 60 years on the throne, during which she opened both the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in London, becoming the first head of state to do so in two different countries. She received an honorary BAFTA in 2013 and underwent cataract surgery that year.

Throughout the 2010s, Elizabeth continued her royal duties, including attending various events and ceremonies. She became the longest-reigning British monarch in 2015 and the oldest current monarch following the deaths of other world leaders. In 2017, she celebrated her Sapphire Jubilee and platinum wedding anniversary with Prince Philip. She faced health challenges, including a brief hospital stay for gastroenteritis symptoms in 2013 and mobility issues in later years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Elizabeth relocated to Windsor Castle and made televised broadcasts to provide reassurance and solidarity to the public. She received her COVID-19 vaccinations in 2021. Prince Philip passed away in April 2021, and Elizabeth continued her royal duties despite some health setbacks, such as mobility issues and a COVID-19 infection in early 2022.

Her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022 marked 70 years on the throne, during which she appointed her 15th British prime minister, Liz Truss, at Balmoral Castle. She continued to fulfill her royal duties, although she took on fewer public engagements as she aged. Queen Elizabeth expressed her commitment to serving the public for her lifetime and demonstrated resilience and strength in her role as the British monarch.

Awards and Achievements

While the concept of traditional awards may not directly apply to a reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has been recognized and honored in various ways. She has seen the unveiling of monuments, the naming of institutions, and the celebration of milestone anniversaries during her reign. Her unwavering commitment to public service has earned her respect and admiration worldwide.

Death

On 8 September 2022, Queen Elizabeth’s health deteriorated, prompting her doctors to recommend she remain under medical supervision at Balmoral. She passed away peacefully at 96 years old, with her immediate family by her side. Her death was announced to the public, initiating funeral protocols known as Operation London Bridge and Operation Unicorn, the latter being due to her passing in Scotland, making her the first monarch to do so since James V in 1542. Her death certificate cited “old age” as the cause, although reports suggested she had bone marrow cancer.

In the days following her passing, Elizabeth’s coffin was transported to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, where it lay in rest for 24 hours before being flown to London. Her coffin then proceeded in a military procession to Westminster Hall, where she lay in state for four days, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to pay their respects. Her children and grandchildren held vigils around her coffin before her state funeral at Westminster Abbey on 19 September. This marked the first time since 1760 that a monarch’s funeral service was held at the Abbey. The funeral procession drew massive crowds in central London, and she was interred alongside her husband, Prince Philip, in a private ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Legacy

Queen Elizabeth II’s reign has been a testament to the enduring strength of the monarchy. Her legacy is not only defined by the length of her reign but by her ability to adapt to the changing times, foster unity, and provide a sense of continuity to the British people and the Commonwealth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Queen Elizabeth II

1. When was Queen Elizabeth II born?

She was born on April 21, 1926.

2. How long was Queen Elizabeth the reigning monarch?

She was the reigning monarch from February 6, 1952 to september 8, 2022.

3. What is Queen Elizabeth II’s full name?

The Queen’s full name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor.

4. What is Queen Elizabeth net worth?

The Queen’s net worth is estimated to be $500 million.

5. Who is Queen Elizabeth’s husband?

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was Queen Elizabeth II’s husband until his death in 2021.

6. How many children does Queen Elizabeth have?

Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward are Queen Elizabeth II’s children.

7. What is the Sovereign Grant?

The Sovereign Grant is an annual payment from the UK government to the reigning monarch, calculated as a percentage of the profits from the Crown Estate.

8. What role does Queen Elizabeth play in the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth, a voluntary union of 54 sovereign nations, the majority of which were formerly British Empire possessions, is symbolically led by Queen Elizabeth II.

9. How many prime ministers has Queen Elizabeth worked with?

During her reign, The Queen has collaborated with 15 British prime ministers, beginning with Winston Churchill.

10. Has Queen Elizabeth faced any controversies during her reign?

Yes, She has faced controversies, including public scrutiny and criticism of the royal family’s response to events such as the death of Princess Diana in 1997.

11. What is the Crown Estate?

The current monarch’s possessions and lands are collectively referred to as the Crown Estate. The Sovereign Grant is funded in part by Crown Estate earnings.

12. How many great-grandchildren does Queen Elizabeth have?

The Queen has 13 great-grandchildren.

13. What is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite pastime?

The Queen has been known to enjoy horseback riding and is passionate about horses and equestrian sports.

14. Has Queen Elizabeth ever visited the United States?

Yes, She has visited the United States 11 times both as a princess and a queen.

Conclusion

Queen Elizabeth II stands as an iconic figure, blending tradition with modernity, and her impact on the world stage is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her role as the reigning monarch.