Sunday marks 70 years since the death of King George VI and the start ofQueen Elizabeth’s historic reign.
The monarch, 95,quietly marked the occasionat her Sandringham estate in Norfolk, about 110 miles north of London. Known as Accession Day, the Queen normally spends the date in somber reflection at Sandringham, as it marks the death of her beloved father as much as the day that her life changed forever.
In honor of the milestone, a new photograph ofQueen Elizabethwas released that shows her with some of her official papers.
Pictured earlier this week in the saloon at Sandringham House, where she usually likes to be for the anniversary as it is where her father passed away 70 years ago, she has with her one of her famous red despatch boxes.
Queen Elizabeth’s portrait released on February 6, 2022 to mark the start of her Platinum Jubilee year.Chris Jackson/Buckingham Palace via Getty
The box is one of thousands that contain documents needing her attention that she has received as Head of State over the last seven decades. The papers contain updates on matters of Parliament, the Commonwealth and events around the world, as well as State papers requiring the Queen’s signature and Royal assent. She works on the papers most days of the year, apart from Christmas and Easter.
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On Saturday, she announced that she would like her daughter-in-lawCamilla, Duchess of Cornwallto be known as Queen Consort when the time comes forPrince Charlesto take the throne.
Queen Elizabeth.Joe Giddens/POOL/AFP via Getty
And poignantly, the photo beside her on the desk is of father King George VI at Buckingham Palace in 1948, four years before his death in 1952.
She is spending Sunday quietly and privately, possibly with some family members.
On Saturday,Queen Elizabethopened up the Ballroom at Sandringham Houseto local charities and estate workers for a small reception, when she was said to be on “sparkling” form chatting to familiar faces and representatives of local organizations.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.getty
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Leading up to the weekend of events, members of the royal family will travel around the country to undertake a variety of engagements to mark the historic occasion.
Queen Elizabethbecame the longest-ruling monarch in U.K. history in September 2015, when she surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who spent 63 years and 216 days on the throne.
Queen Elizabeth.Hulton Archive/Getty Images; Oli Scarff - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Queen Elizabethhas remained largely out of the public eye in recent months amid a series of health setbacks. She was seenwalking with a canefor the first time since 2003 this past October. Shortly thereafter, it was reported she had been advised togive up horse ridingandmartinis, and she washospitalized overnighton Oct. 20 for undisclosed “preliminary investigations.” On Oct. 29, the Queen was advised toextend her rest periodand only “to undertake light, desk-based duties.”
In late November, she held a number of in-person meetings and attended a joint christening for great-grandsonsAugust BrooksbankandLucas Tindall.
source: people.com
