Queen Elizabeth's heinous past should not be forgotten

Posted Oct. 4, 2022

By Kim Phan

Opinions Editor

Should we mourn Queen Elizabeth the II for the achievements through the long reign she left behind or remember her for the colonial history behind her monarchy? No, I believe we should also remember her for the heinous terror and murders that her regime perpetrated throughout its 70-year rule in various nations.

Queen Elizabeth the II in this case was one ruler that most knew by name not only due to her notorious long rule but also because of the negative legacy that circulated the British Royal Family. Much of those achievements includes being Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, sitting on the throne for 70 years from 1952 until 2022. It’s only expected that during her 70 years on the throne, there were a lot of eras in history to be witnessed, notably all the tumultuous events that we can only discuss in History. 

Her seven decades of rule saw major events in the world and in United Kingdom history, such as the major world wars, the moon landing, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and with it came the legacy of colonization that her country is most lauded for. So, while many of those in the United Kingdom mourned her death, even going as far as to cancel doctor’s appointments and school, those from African nations were reflecting and acknowledging what Britain had inflicted on them. 

So, the question remains, why should any of us (especially minorities in these countries and Great Britain) mourn over the Queen considering her country’s history (which she oversaw). To me, this idea is quite overrated. So yes, condolences to her family and the children she leaves behind, but how about all of those who are tearing over the Queen and cancelling essential appointments also send condolences to the communities her regime brutally terrorized and murdered? What about those Kenyans that were herded into detention camps? Not to speak of how the British suppressed an anti-colonial movement in Kenya? This is not even most of the list, it’s just a few of their history that remains suppressed under years of imperialism. 

Let’s not even add that the British government has never formally apologized to people throughout the African continent as well as South Asia for enslavement. There are no signs in offers of reparation so why must you ask them to offer grievances? Should they not rejoice in the ties that forced their ancestors to offer free labor and export extractions of major resources for their nations? While many may try to disagree with what I have said about Queen Elizabeth’s role in the British Monarchy naming that she doesn’t have much control in what the prime ministers do or what laws are passed. That could range to the legislature planned by leaders and parliament of England. However, it remains true that she was complicit in the crimes that her empire committed, especially remembered by the colonies in which they conquered. These are the same nations that have helped build and benefited the British Empire. Let us observe the jewels on Queen Elizabeth’s II crown. Do you think they came from the great depths of soil in Great Britain itself? I don’t think so either. 

If we’re analyzing the real history behind Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, we also must acknowledge the war crimes that her country has committed against other nations. WIth her death, many nations cheer in the return of indigenous lands, representation for the war crimes that have been committed during her time on the throne. Abororiginal people in Australia are still fighting for their lands back, a fight that has never ended with her death. British settlers arriving in countries like Australia, India, Trinidad and Ceylon, and many more, disrupted the Native inhabitants’ way of life. It didn’t only do that but also perpetuated centuries of discrimination and oppression imposed on individuals who have already inhabited that land much before British settlers had heard of that land. 

Some countries have already announced their separation from the British monarchy, relationships that started with colonialism. Countries such as Barbados ditched the ties of the British monarchy, becoming the first country to do so. Jamaica as well as several Caribbean nations are preparing to follow and cut ties with the monarchy. So who’s to say there’s a legitimate need for the British Monarchy as anything more than a political figurehead? However, it is easier said than done as becoming a republic in many countries who operate under Britain’s head of state faces legal hurdles and complicated processes through law. 

Many have called for the monarchy to be abolished. And if we’re being honest, what need do we have for them if it isn’t for image? It is not only me who has brought this topic but a significant majority of Brits (as reported by NBC News) agree on abolishing the monarchy. What’s more readily agreeable is that the British Monarchy is quite outdated. Think about this in the 21st century, when our civilization has made the biggest advancements possible, but we still have a head of state who is not chosen by the people. The fact that King Charles III will succeed his mother on the throne is a major source of their conflict and lack of support. It's not out of disgust with what the British Monarchy has participated in towards other nations but only because Prince Charles is unpopular amongst the general population. We all know the reason, I'm sure. If not, you might as well conduct a little online search on Princess Diana.

So, while it is true that many people were saddened by Queen Elizabeth's passing, especially those who remained close to her, many more were made uncomfortable by the image of an oppressive empire that Queen Elizabeth embodied. That’s not to say that many people from countries outside Great Britain don’t think kindly of her. Because throughout her rule, there were certain nuances to her character, opinions, and actions given her opinions towards Apartheid in South Africa and friendship towards Nelson Mandela. But the truth is much more gray than it is black and white. At the height of its empire, they had colonies in almost every continent excluding Antarctica. And with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the lingering effects of centuries of colonial control won't simply vanish. Since the British monarchy has successfully avoided scrutiny, openness, and responsibility in previous generations, I refuse to allow its actions to be enabled in this generation. It will be different this time.