Words that went around the world: Her Majesty’s landmark speeches
The Queen was the steadying voice for many generations. And when she spoke, the world listened. Hear some of her most stirring and inspiring speeches.
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She was the steadying voice of generation after generation. Ever since her first TV broadcast
in 1957, The Queen’s Christmas speech was watched by millions around the world, an
annual marker to the passing of another year and a time to reflect.
She spoke to us through the decades, reflecting the changing world, its triumphs and
tragedies.
The Queen may have grown old before our eyes, but her words did not age.
Through her seven decades on the throne, she addressed everything from war to women’s
rights, terrorism to loss and a pandemic.
Her voice may be now silent, but her words will live forever. We take a look at 10 of her best speeches:
1947: 21st birthday
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to
your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
Princess Elizabeth set out her personal manifesto while on tour in South Africa. She pledged
to serve the crown for the rest of her life; something she stuck to, to the end.
1953: Coronation
“I am sure that this, my Coronation, is not the symbol of a power and a splendour that are
gone but a declaration of our hopes for the future, and for the years I may, by God’s Grace
and Mercy, be given to reign and serve you as your Queen.”
The new Queen was seen as a modernising force and symbol of hope. She knew things were
changing, but could never have envisaged how much, by the end of her reign.
1957: First TV Christmas speech
“That it is possible for some of you to see me today is just another example at the speed of
which things are changing all around us. I’m not surprised that many people feel lost and
unable to decide what to hold onto and what to discard. It has always been easy to hate and
destroy, to build and to cherish is much more difficult.”
The Queen had been reluctant to make a televised speech, but did so after prominent writer Lord Altrincham likened her to a “priggish schoolgirl”. She was also referencing the new Commonwealth.
1966: Women’s rights
“It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the harsh progress of
mankind. The struggles against inhuman prejudice, against squalor, ignorance, and disease,
have always owed a great deal to the determination and tenacity of women.”
As one of the most powerful women in the world, the Queen used her Christmas speech to
address women’s liberation – some 50 years before Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, put it in her
manifesto.
1991: Abdication slap-down
“Next February will see the 40th anniversary of my father’s death and of my accession. I feel
the same obligation to you that I felt in 1952. With your prayers, and your help, and with
the love and support of my family, I shall try to serve you in the years to come.”
In her Christmas speech, the Queen looked back on a tumultuous year of change across
Russia and Eastern Europe – then added her own stabilising statement, dismissing growing
rumours of her abdication.
1992: Annus Horribilis
“1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure … it has turned out to
be an ‘Annus Horribilis’. No institution – City, Monarchy, whatever – should expect to be free
from the scrutiny of those who give it their loyalty and support, not to mention those who
don’t. But we are all part of the same fabric of our national society and that scrutiny, by one
part of another, can be just as effective if it is made with a touch of gentleness, good
humour and understanding.”
Her speech was to mark 40 years on the throne – but discussed the year the marriages of
three of her children broke down and Windsor Castle burnt down. The tone reveals the
extent of her anguish.
1997: Death of Diana
“What I say to you now, as your Queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart. No-one
who knew Diana will ever forget her. I for one believe there are lessons to be drawn from
her life and from the extraordinary and moving reaction to her death. I share in your
determination to cherish her memory.”
The Queen made this seminal speech from Buckingham Palace, following public pressure
after her prolonged silence post Diana’s death. It reflects great learning and imminent
change.
2000: Australian referendum
“I have always made it clear that the future of the monarchy in Australia is an issue for you,
the Australian people, and you alone, to decide by democratic and constitutional means.
Whatever the future may bring, my lasting respect and deep affection for Australia and
Australians everywhere will remain as strong as ever.”
Following the 1999 referendum, the Queen addressed it head-on in a speech in Sydney,
laying out her commitment to the nation – whether it wanted her or not.
2002: Death of Queen Mother
“I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of affection which has accompanied her
death. This is what my mother would have understood, because it was the warmth and
affection of people everywhere which inspired her resolve, dedication and enthusiasm for
life.”
One of the Queen’s most moving speeches was following the death of her mother. Her
words are more poignant because she knew they also applied to herself.
2020: Pandemic
“We join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour. We will succeed – and
that success will belong to every one of us. We should take comfort that while we may have
more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be
with our families again; we will meet again.”
As the pandemic hit, the Queen made a special broadcast across the Commonwealth. Her
moving and rousing words showed the power she had to uplift and unite, to the end.
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