House and two years later Prince Charles was born. Although still only 55 years old, in the summer of 1951 King George’s health began to fail and the young Princess Elizabeth had to undertake her fi rst offi cial duty when she stepped in to represent her father at the Trooping of the Colour.


That autumn, Elizabeth and Philip departed for a tour of Canada and Washington DC, where the young couple was enthusiastically received. In January 1952, they set out for another tour of Australia and New Zealand. However, on 6th February, while en route in Kenya, the King died of a coronary thrombosis at Sandringham. Elizabeth immediately fl ew back as Queen. She was just 25 years old.


After three months of private mourning for her beloved father, Queen Elizabeth moved into Buckingham Palace and began to start the routine duties expected of a monarch. She took her role seriously, conducting her fi rst state opening of Parliament in November 1952.


Her coronation was held at Westminster Abbey on 2nd June 1953. Controversially, Prince Philip was instrumental in having the ceremony televised. Both the Queen and her husband subsequently worked to modernise the monarchy while retaining its traditional sense of public duty and creed of “never complain, never explain.”


Like all of us, Queen Elizabeth has lived through diffi cult times, and last year lost her husband and life companion. But despite bouts of ill health herself, she has stoically continued her duties. Now, aged 96 and still head of the Commonwealth, she has lived a life of service to her country and is admired, respected and loved around the globe.


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Issue 47


ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE There’s something for everyone at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.


Stop by to enjoy delicious food and drink with the best view in Stratford-upon-Avon, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the history of the RSC, and even a bit of retail therapy.


By Catherine Rose


DISCOVER THE MAGIC BEHIND THE RSC


With a theatre tour including the public and behind-the- scenes areas of the building


PHOTO: Elin Englund


PHOTO: Sara Baumont


PHOTO: Sam Allard


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