How Far Did Elizabeth I Resist Accepted Notions of Queenship, Monarchy and Femininity? by Scarlett Oram

The role of a queen for most of English history had, up until the Tudor period, been non-existent. No queen had ruled in her own right, their role was to serve as a woman should and be subservient to their husband. When Mary ascends in 1553, a new type of monarch is forged, and a new question arises. Does a queen gain an independence never before seen and serve her country as ruler, or remain within patriarchal values and place her country second to her husband? Since Mary’s reign was too short for her to truly answer this question on her own, it is her sister Elizabeth who truly defines what it means to be a queen.

Does Britain need a monarchy in a time when liberty and forward-thinking has become so prominent? By Aimee Butler

In February 1952, Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne at the youthful age of twenty-five, becoming a historic moment that captured the hearts and minds of the nation. Her reign is bejewelled with monumental records and achievements, beginning with her coronation’s televised broadcast to the general public and including her most recent accomplishment of reaching her Platinum Jubilee, having been on the throne for 70 years.