Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, spanning from 1952 until her death on September 8, 2022, marked a historic chapter as the longest reign of any monarch in British history. She surpassed the record previously held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who ruled for 63 years, from 1837 to 1901. Queen Victoria’s era was defined by the expansion of the British Empire, a stark contrast to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, which witnessed its contraction and eventual dissolution. At the time of Victoria’s death, she was not only the Queen of Great Britain but also carried the title “Empress of India,” despite never having visited the Indian subcontinent.
According to Brooke Newman, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of History, “Queen Elizabeth and the 1,000-year-old institution she embodied offered continuity and reassurance in a rapidly changing world.” Newman, a historian specializing in early modern Britain and the British Atlantic, with a focus on slavery, abolition, and the British royal family, provides valuable insight into the historical significance of Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign. Her forthcoming book, “The Queen’s Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery,” explores the British monarchy’s evolving relationship with slavery over 450 years, from Elizabeth I to Queen Victoria.
Image alt text: Brooke Newman, Ph.D., historian specializing in the British monarchy and slavery, standing in front of a bookshelf.
In a conversation with VCU News, Professor Newman discussed the transformations the monarchy underwent during Queen Elizabeth II’s unprecedented 70-year rule and speculated on the future under King Charles III.
A Monarchy in Transformation: Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign
Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in the aftermath of World War II, a period marked by the decline of the once vast British Empire as independence movements gained momentum. Her coronation in 1953, rich in imperial symbolism, was a groundbreaking event, being the first to be televised and broadcast globally. In contrast to the more reserved media approach during her father, George VI’s reign (1936-1952), the media landscape became increasingly intrusive and less respectful towards the royal family throughout Queen Elizabeth II’s time as monarch.
Throughout seven decades of significant social and political change, Queen Elizabeth II became an enduring symbol of stability and tradition. She represented continuity and dependability in a world undergoing rapid transformations. As Professor Newman noted, she was a “steadfast, seemingly timeless figure; a national symbol of duty, longevity and resilience.” However, the monarchy, with its opulent traditions and inherited wealth, sometimes appeared detached from contemporary society, particularly during times of economic hardship. To ensure the institution’s continued relevance, Queen Elizabeth II demonstrated adaptability, responding to public sentiment. A notable example was after the Windsor Castle fire in 1992, when public outcry against using taxpayer money for repairs led the Queen to voluntarily agree to pay taxes, breaking with royal precedent.
Image alt text: Queen Elizabeth II during the Royal Tour of New Zealand in 1953, showcasing her early reign as a young monarch.
Legacy and Remembrance of a Longest Reigning Monarch
Known for her reserved demeanor and inscrutability, Queen Elizabeth II commanded a unique level of respect and deference, setting her apart from other members of the royal family. It is a level of reverence that her successor, King Charles III, may find challenging to achieve. She will be remembered as an iconic figure in British life, embodying national unity and stoicism. Despite her iconic status, it’s important to acknowledge that Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was not without its critics. As the head of an institution rooted in hereditary privilege, she faced criticism for not directly addressing or apologizing for her ancestors’ involvement in colonialism and the enslavement of people across the globe. Furthermore, she remained silent on controversial actions carried out in her name during her reign, such as the suppression of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya.
The Reign of King Charles III: A New Chapter
King Charles III ascended to the throne at the age of 73, becoming the oldest individual to do so in British history, after a lifetime as heir apparent. His reign is anticipated to be shorter and potentially less transformative compared to his mother’s extensive rule. He becomes king at a time when public support for the monarchy is declining, particularly among younger generations, and as some Commonwealth nations reconsider their ties to the British monarchy. In the context of significant challenges facing the UK, including economic instability, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate change, it remains uncertain whether King Charles III can provide the same symbolic leadership and stability that defined his mother’s reign.
Looking ahead, King Charles III will need to navigate the complexities of maintaining political neutrality as a constitutional monarch, a skill that Queen Elizabeth II mastered throughout her long reign. However, having spent decades in the public eye, Charles has established a reputation as a more outspoken and sometimes controversial royal figure. As Prince of Wales, he voiced opinions on policy matters, faced scrutiny over his charitable donations, and experienced a decline in public approval during the publicized breakdown of his marriage to Princess Diana. As King, he is expected to adopt a more measured approach, potentially stepping back from the advocacy work he pursued as Prince of Wales, including his long-standing commitment to environmental issues.
Professor Newman’s expertise extends to the historical links between the monarchy and the slave trade, as highlighted in her op-ed calling for a royal apology for the monarchy’s role in this dark chapter of history. While slavery within Britain was limited, the British monarchy was deeply intertwined with the transatlantic slave trade and colonial exploitation. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, British ships played a dominant role in transporting millions of enslaved Africans to the Americas.
When questioned about the likelihood of a royal apology for slavery, Professor Newman suggests it is unlikely in the immediate future. While Prince Charles acknowledged the tarnishing effect of slavery on Britain’s relationships with former colonies, he stopped short of an apology. As King Charles III prioritizes the stability of the monarchy in the post-Elizabethan era, a formal apology seems improbable. However, as Britain redefines its global role, calls for a reckoning with the legacies of colonialism and slavery are expected to persist within the UK and across the Commonwealth, potentially compelling future action from the monarchy.
