Elgar's Tribute to the Future Queen

This is one of the very last works of the great English composer, Sir Edward Elgar.  It was written and dedicated to Their Royal Highness' Princess Elizabeth and Margaret long before it was known that Princess Elizabeth would become the United Kingdom's greatest and longest-serving monarch.  The first performance in 1931 was a private recording session for which the London Symphony Orchestra was engaged under the direction of the composer. The Duke and Duchess of York were in attendance on this occasion and were so enchanted by 'The Wagon Passes' - (5th movement) that it was played again. This is the final 7th movement, a lovely tender, reflective mood and violin solo with images reminding us of those nursery days.  The images are of dolls and their world of toys gazing through the nursery window contemplating life beyond the nursery confines.

It is performed here by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

The Queen's Speech and State Opening of Parliament 2019

A Message from Her Majesty the Queen for Commonwealth Day 2019

The Commonwealth of 54 nations is a powerful force for good in the world.  Here is Her Majesty's message for Commonwealth Day 2019.

Commonwealth Day has a special significance this year as we mark the 70th anniversary of the London Declaration, when nations of the Commonwealth agreed to move forward together as free and equal members. The vision and sense of connection that inspired the signatories has stood the test of time, and the Commonwealth continues to grow, adapting to address contemporary needs.

Today, many millions of people around the world are drawn together because of the collective values shared by the Commonwealth. In April last year, I welcomed the leaders of our 53 nations to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and we all witnessed how the Commonwealth vision offers hope, and inspires us to find ways of protecting our planet, and our people.

We are able to look to the future with greater confidence and optimism as a result of the links that we share, and thanks to the networks of cooperation and mutual support to which we contribute, and on which we draw. With enduring commitment through times of great change, successive generations have demonstrated that whilst the goodwill for which the Commonwealth is renowned may be intangible, its impact is very real.

We experience this as people of all backgrounds continue to find new ways of expressing through action the value of belonging in a connected Commonwealth. I hope and trust that many more will commit to doing so this Commonwealth Day.

Elizabeth R.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas Broadcast 2018

A Message from The Queen to The President of The United States of America

“Prince Philip and I offer our deepest sympathies to the people of California, who continue to suffer from the devastating fires across the state.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims, and to all those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. I pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the US emergency services and the volunteers that have provided support."

Elizabeth R

The Queen: Her Commonwealth Story

A Message from Her Majesty The Queen to the People of Australia following the recent Droughts

Prince Philip and I have been deeply saddened to hear of one of the worst Australian droughts in living memory.

I know Australia as a land where extremes of weather, floods and droughts are taken in their stride, and life goes on with a stoic and determined spirit.

It is clear, however, that the current drought is taking an immense toll, especially on those living and working in rural communities, who are, in so many ways, the very heart and soul of Australia. 

It is heartening and reassuring to see that families, communities and the entire nation are working together and supporting each other at this time of need.

My thoughts and prayers are with the many individuals, families, communities and businesses who have been affected, and I send my sincere thanks to all those who stand shoulder-to-shoulder in their support. 

Elizabeth R.

A message from The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, for Commonwealth Day 2018

Her Majesty The Queen, as Head of the Commonweath, has sent the following message ahead of Commonwealth Day on Monday 12th March.

"We all have reason to give thanks for the numerous ways in which our lives are enriched when we learn from others.

“Through exchanging ideas, and seeing life from other perspectives, we grow in understanding and work more collaboratively towards a common future.

“There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection; shared inheritances help us overcome difference so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division.

“We shall see this in action at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which takes place in the United Kingdom next month, bringing together young people, business and civil society from across the Commonwealth.

“These gatherings are themselves fine examples of how consensus and commitment can help to create a future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous and sustainable.

“Having enjoyed the warm hospitality of so many Commonwealth countries over the years, I look forward to the pleasure of welcoming the leaders of our family of 53 nations to my homes in London and Windsor.

“Sport also contributes to building peace and development. The excitement and positive potential of friendly rivalry will be on display next month as we enjoy the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia.

“Contributing to the success of the Games, alongside athletes and officials, will be thousands of volunteers.

“Voluntary effort, by people working as individuals, in groups or through larger
associations, is so often what shapes the Commonwealth and all our communities.

“By pledging to serve the common good in new ways, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to grow in scope and stature, to have an even greater impact on people's lives, today, and for future generations.”

Christmas 2017 Broadcast of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

A Message from The Queen Following the Floods Caused by Hurricane Harvey

 

I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and the devastation following the recent terrible floods caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Prince Philip and I send our sincere condolences to the victims of this disaster, to those who have lost loved ones, and to those who have seen their homes and property destroyed. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected.

ELIZABETH R.

Happy Birthday to Her Majesty the Queen!

Christmas 2016 Broadcast of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

"the value of doing small things with great love"     

A Message from The Queen Following the Earthquakes in New Zealand

Prince Philip and I were shocked to hear news of the severe earthquakes that struck on Monday. I send my condolences to the families of those who were killed and to the people whose homes and businesses have been affected.

Our thoughts are with you at this time.

ELIZABETH R.

The Queen's 90th Birthday - National Service of Thanksgiving 10th June 2016

The Royal Artillery Band at the Queen's 90th Birthday Gun Salute

Happy 90th Birthday to Her Majesty the Queen!

The following montage of 90 photographs for each of The Queen's 90 years, is a reminder of Her Majesty's lifetime of selfless dedication and service to the British people, her other realms, and the millions comprising the great, worldwide family of nations, the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth Calls Jesus Christ 'the King She Serves' in 90th Birthday Book

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II visits Malta Racing Club at Marsa racecourse near Valletta, Malta, November 28, 2015. Malta was host to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II reflects on Jesus' central role in her life in a new book ahead of her 90th birthday, calling Christ "the King she serves" in the title.

I have been — and remain — very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for his steadfast love," the British monarch writes in the foreword to The Servant Queen and the King She Serves, which is to be released in April.

"I have indeed seen His faithfulness," she adds.

 

Thousands of churches will reportedly be giving away copies of the book, which is being published by HOPE, Bible Society and the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, according to the Church of England.

Read more at The Christian Post >>

Shakespeare Exhibition to Mark the 400th Anniversary of His Death Held at Windsor Castle

 

From Royal Central

With the 400th anniversary of playwrighter William Shakespeare’s death, Queen Elizabeth is marking the occasion with a display at Windsor Castle.

The event that starts Saturday will display treasures demonstrating the link between her family and Shakespeare, such as a copy of his second folio, annotated by both Charles I and George III.

Other family heirlooms include Queen Mary’s copy of The Merry Wives of Windsor that she was given in 1917 and a Romeo and Juliet drawing by the future Queen Victoria when she was 15-years-old. The picture made in pen, pencil and ink shows the star-crossed lovers embracing as Romeo climbs out of a window.

Titled ‘Shakespeare in the Royal Library’, the exhibition hosts an array of maps, prints, books and works of art demonstrating how monarchs since Elizabeth I have loved Britain’s greatest dramatist.

The annotated copy of the Bard’s second folio, the 1632 collection of his plays, is a highlight of the exhibition. Charles I is said to have read it when imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight for 14 months before his death in 1649.

Charles I wrote the words ‘Dum Spiro Spero’ (While I Breathe, I Hope) on the flyleaf of the book, as well as adding the names of some of Shakespeare’s comedic characters on the contents page.

 

William Sartain’s portrait of playwright William Shakespeare

William Sartain’s portrait of playwright William Shakespeare

Many others owned the book before 1800 when the Royal Library by George III reacquired it. George made a correction on a note in the book that said Sir Thomas Herbert was the King’s Master of the Revels, to that Herbert was, in fact, Groom of the Bedchamber to Charles I.

Queen Victoria and her family took in many of Shakespeare’s plays at Windsor Castle. During one performance Louis Haghe recorded the event in watercolour showing the Queen, Prince Albert and the children watching Macbeth in the Rubens Room (now King’s Drawing Room) on February 4, 1853.

A journal entry from Victoria describes that day as “most interesting, thrilling and heartrending play” and said the performance was “extremely well given”.

Prince Charles is president of the Royal Shakespeare Company and published a selection of his favourite work by Shakespeare in 1995.

Elizabeth Clark, exhibition curator of Royal Collection Trust said: “This exhibition commemorating 400 years since Shakespeare’s death is a wonderful opportunity to show through many of the Royal Library’s greatest treasures the Royal Family’s lasting interest in Shakespeare and his plays.”

 

 

Christmas 2015 Broadcast of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

"I believe from my heart that the cause which binds together my peoples and our gallant and faithful allies is the cause of Christian Civilization." 

King George VI

Broadcasting on December 25, 1939

David Cameron Pays Tribute to Queen as She Becomes Longest Reigning Monarch