Queen Elizabeth II was only 25 when she ascended to the throne in 1952. She was young and had her entire life ahead of her.
However, despite her youth and the unexpected duty thrust upon her, Queen Elizabeth devoted herself to a role she would keep for 70 long years.
At the time, no one knew that she would become Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, or that she would live to 96.
She’s made history in more ways than one, and throughout her reign, she implemented many things that changed how the world sees the royal family today.
Here is everything the Queen implemented during her 70-year reign.
She Televised Her Annual Address
During the 1950s, television started to become more commonplace. In order to keep up with the times, Queen Elizabeth II was the first Queen to televise not only her coronation, but also her annual address.
Previously, people would tune in on the radio, but the Queen gave people around the world access like they had never had before.
She Introduced the “Walkabouts”
You know how during public engagements, senior royals walk around greeting their fans? Yeah, well, that was a concept first introduced by Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen first did a walkabout in 1971, during her visit to Australia and New Zealand, and at the time, she was breaking protocol by mixing directly with the crowds who came to see her.
Now, it has become a central part of any royal visit.
Daughters of the Monarch Were Given Equal Right to the Throne
Before Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, sons took precedence over daughters when it came to the line of succession.
This meant that the eldest daughter of the monarch would not be first in line to the throne if she had a younger brother.
The old succession laws dated back more than 300 years, and the change required historic legislation to be amended.
Thanks to the new rule, Princess Charlotte is currently third in line to the throne (after Prince William and Prince George, of course), with her younger brother Prince Louis sitting fourth.
Queen Elizabeth II Gave Camilla the Title of Queen Consort
As the King’s wife, Camilla, previously known as the Duchess of Cornwall, has been given the title of Queen Consort.
Before her passing, Queen Elizabeth II released a groundbreaking statement, saying she wanted her daughter-in-law to be known as Queen Consort when Charles became King.
“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me,” the Queen’s statement said. “And it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
Historically speaking, this is a massive deal, because when it comes to Prince Charles and Camilla, things were complicated.
Because the King had an affair with Camilla while he was still married to the late Princess Diana, and as this was her second marriage, it was believed that she would take the title of Princess Consort.
