The highest monarch of the British crown has had a long stay in the crown, during which time she has experienced endless diplomatic tasks.
Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 70 years of reign in the British crown, being the longest period in history in which a monarch has commanded that country. During her long tenure as queen, she has seen prime ministers, presidents, popes, artists and a world other than the one she knew when she was crowned at the young age of 25.
Next, some of the most relevant data about her management as monarch:
- 34 countries of which she has been head of state, which today are reduced to 15, such as Canada, Australia, Jamaica, among others.
- 13 Presidents of the United States that she has known. She only missed Gerald Ford.
- 7 Popes with whom she has met. She could not do it with John Paul I, because she lasted 33 days in the pontificate.
- 100 countries that she has visited.
- 150 official visits, with which she has traveled around the world several times.
- 112 State visits of which she has been the hostess.
- 30,000 people she invites each year to her garden parties, which consume 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake.
- 510 charitable foundations under her umbrella, through which she has raised over $1.5 billion.
- 21,000 commitments that she has fulfilled in her reign.
- 4,000 laws to which she has given royal consent.
- 200 portraits for which she has posed.
She will not be able to participate
Amid celebrations in the country, Elizabeth II canceled her attendance at Friday mass for her 70-year reign, an unprecedented longevity for the British monarchy, due to "certain health malaise."
"The Queen has greatly appreciated her birthday parade today (Thursday) and the air parade but she has felt some discomfort," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
“Given the travel and activity required for the thanksgiving mass at St. Paul's Cathedral, Her Majesty has reluctantly concluded that she will not participate,” she added.
The announcement reignites concerns about the deteriorating health of the popular 96-year-old monarch, who has difficulty walking and whose official appearances have become increasingly rare since she spent a night in hospital in October.
