Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth Realm died on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Her 70 year and 214 day reign is the longest in British history and the second longest reign by any monarch. She is only surpassed by King Louis XIV of France. (We'll learn about him later this year). Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952 upon the death of her father King George VI. When she was born, she was not in the direct line of succession. Her father was the second son of then King George V. Her uncle Edward was first in line to the throne. He reigned as King Edward VIII for less than a year in 1936. He abdicated the throne in order to marry a twice divorced American woman. (This would have broken the marriage rules within the Church of England which he was the head). With that abdication, Elizabeth's father became King and she became the heir apparent. Her father reigned through World War II, the end of the British rule of India, and the first years of the Cold War. He was a heavy smoker and died from complications of smoking. Bringing Elizabeth to the throne at a young age.
Elizabeth II reigned through significant changes and world events.
Death Announcement (1:34)
What happens now?
The country enters into a 12 day period of mourning. The government and media has planned for the death of the Queen for decades.
Upon her death, her eldest son Charles became King Charles III. There was significant discussion about his selection of his Regnal Name or Royal Name. Monarchs are allowed to choose their name from their many middle and first names. There was talk that he would choose George VII after his grandfather. (Also, the last two Charles' did not have the best of reigns.)
This video uploaded by the Official Royal Family YouTube Channel, describes the next steps for the new Monarch, King Charles III. While he became King instantly, his official coronation ceremony will take place 6-12 months from now.
(3:45)
This video from Sam Wendover explains the steps in the process that occurred yesterday and explains the cost that her death could cause. Particularly the cost in minting new money in the many countries she reigned.
(5:11)
TLDR News UK also breaks down the steps and procedures for the period of mourning in this video from November 2021. This breaks down the daily schedule for the 12 day mourning period.
(9:26)
What is the United Kingdom?
This video is from 2011. It explains the different names of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth Realm nations. This video quickly and succinctly explains where the British Monarchy remains in power or at least as a figurehead. Since this video was made, Barbados left the Realm and became a Republic.
CGP Grey is an American living in the United Kingdom. He is a former teacher. (5:14) [incredibly fast]
How are monarchs chosen?
Once again, CGP Grey explains the process of becoming the British Monarch historically and how it changed in 2013 when William and Kate were expecting their first child. It turned out to be a son anyway.
NOTE: A word that is generally regarded as a curse word is used in its official/legal use as a "person without a legal father" or a "child born to someone other than the wife of the father."
(4:13)
Who else has been the monarch?
Once again, CGP Grey explaining the history of the English and later British Monarchy. Much of this will be discussed later in this class, but is included here for any interest. It includes a brief list of succession as it stood in 2015.
(8:37)
In this video, Matt Baker from UsefulCharts describes the history of the monarchy starting before William I who is generally regarded as the start of the Monarchy. This video has a slower pace. It is included here if you are interested in the monarchs before William I conquers the nation. (14:45)
UK Government Explained
This video, from Knowing Better in 2017, explains how the government of the United Kingdom and what powers the monarch has in that government.
The Key Takeaway: The Monarch is the Head of State and the Commander-in-Chief. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government and Chief Executive. All four of these titles are held by the President of the United States.
(13:07)
Line of Succession
This video described the Line of Succession as it stood in February of 2022. This is an updated version of two previous videos. Matt Baker is a Canadian YouTuber that makes many charts and videos. He provides a description of the royal family. He dispels several myths and misconceptions. He also explains several controversies that involve members of the Royal Family.
How does the Royal Family make its money?
In another video from 2011, CGP Grey explains how the Royal Family affects the economy of the United Kingdom. It may surprise you to learn that the Royal Family provides more money than they cost the government. The supposed cost is often cited as a reason to abolish the monarchy.
(4:43)
Constitutional Monarchy to Republic?
Time will tell how each of the fourteen other countries and the United Kingdom itself reacts. There may be some significant government shifts in the near future. Barbados just became a Republic in November 2021.
This video from TLDR News from February 2021 discussing some of the powers of the Monarch. It also discusses the debate between remaining a Constitutional Monarchy or becoming a Republic. They explain the steps and process that this could take.
Key Takeaway: In a 2020 poll, 67% responded to keep the monarchy, and 21% responded to have an elected Head of State.
(11:02)
Back in November 2021, the island nation of Barbados officially removed the Queen as their Head of State and became a Republic.
The commentator shares his opinion from March 2022 that more nations could follow Barbados in the path of becoming a Republic.
This is certainly a popular idea in Australia among other places. Many believe that many countries have kept the British Monarch as their Head of State out of respect for Elizabeth II herself, rather than the institution of the Monarchy.
(2:26)