Queen’s Platinum Jubilee-Historical Perspective

The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 2022

Research by June Woolhouse

The website links and articles listed below provide a range of historical and topical examples of the constitutional arrangements of our Country since the seventh century.  They include the history and significance of the role of monarchy since then including the unique achievement of Queen Elizabeth II, our longest serving monarch. At this point in time King Louis XIV of France, who reigned from 1643 until 1715 is still the longest serving monarch worldwide. He served for a total of 72 years and 110 days. It is possible that HM the Queen may exceed this total if she continues for two more years and 101 days.

 

The Royal Collection shows the extent of fine art, architecture and sculpture, historically significant documents and associated themes, projects and publications. They reflect the taste and interest of the monarchy over time. These elements have been developed for more than 400 years to safeguard one of the last intact royal collections rescued by Charles II in 1660 after the Restoration of the monarchy. Charles I was executed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649. During the interregnum period various forms of republican governments held power and Cromwell became a virtual dictator until his death in 1658.

 

Charles II, Charles’ eldest son, was invited to return from exile and received to public acclaim in 1660. He became known as the Merry Monarch, which related to his lively and hedonistic Court. He had twelve illegitimate children by seven mistresses but no legitimate children. He was also known as ‘Old Rowley’ after his favourite and libidinous stallion. The bubonic plague in 1665 and Great Fire of London in 1666 did not deter his appreciation of all forms of beauty. The late Diana, Princess of Wales, is a direct descendant of two of his illegitimate sons and it is likely that Prince William will be the first British monarch descended from Charles II.

 

The Royal Collection provides pictorial examples of the nation’s history, parts of which extend further into the past that the formal Collection itself. It is the largest private collection in the world owned by her majesty the Queen and held in trust by her, as sovereign, for her successors and the nation.

 

The individual articles and links below indicate the significance of the nation’s political and constitutional arrangements, which have developed in various forms since the 7^th century. They are a sample chosen from a large number of available publications. The Royal Collection site enables viewers to appreciate works of art that are not always accessible to the general public.

Links.

https://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/

https://www.rct.uk/collection

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Collection

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crown

 

Articles.

Please see attachments below.