The Spectator

Elizabeth the Great

The second Elizabethan age has been an era of achievement – and the Queen deserves a significant share of the credit

That the Queen has lived to become our longest-reigning monarch — a milestone which she will mark quietly with a lunch next Wednesday — is in itself a sign of the golden age of prosperity which has been the second Elizabethan age. Over the 63 years of her reign, life expectancy for women has increased by a dozen years, to 83. The Queen may be remarkable for her age, but she is far from alone in modern Britain for having lived to a great age in good health. A team of 12 is now needed to send out royal telegrams congratulating those of her subjects to celebrate their 100th birthday.

To the increase in longevity over the past six decades can be added huge economic and social advancements. Almost all of it would, of course, have happened whoever was on the throne — and, as the Queen recognises, no matter who was in Downing Street. In a speech to the UN five years ago, she observed a truth that few politicians acknowledge: the greatest achievements are not guided by leaders, but by people being left alone to achieve what they can. ‘Remarkably, many of these sweeping advances have come about not because of governments, committee resolutions, or central directives — although all these have played a part — but instead because millions of people around the world have wanted them.’

The Queen’s own patriotism — a faith in the courage and character of her subjects — has informed her approach to her reign. She does not itch, as her eldest son sometimes does, to steer ministers one direction or another. Her approach has been one of service. Her daily schedule would alarm and exhaust someone half her age.

The most remarkable aspect of her reign is not its longevity, but its success.

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