A Lasting Legacy

Not only head of state in the UK, the Queen was head of a growing family of grandchildren and great grandchildren

- MITYA UNDERWOOD

IN her roles as Head of State and Monarch of the Commonwealth Realms, the life of Queen Elizabeth II was virtually incomprehensible to most people. But as an adoring grandmother and great-grandmother, she was much like anyone else.

She was devoted to her family. She described her husband, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, as her "strength and stay", and often said how proud they were of their children.

The couple celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary in 2007 after 60 years of marriage. Between their four children, the couple had eight grandchildren. As they grew up, married, and had their own children, the Windsor family tree expanded to include eight great-grandchildren.

 

Throughout her reign, it was obvious to all that the Queen was a much loved matriarch. She was often photographed sharing a joke or tender moment with her grandchildren. In any televised speech, there were framed photographs of her loved ones nearby. She was always determined to show the world she was not just a Monarch, but that she was also a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.