Throughout her historic reign of over 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II shared words of wisdom with not just British people, but those all over the Commonwealth – and the world. Whether offering profound insights during times of crisis or humorous reflections on family life, her speeches and interactions have made an indelible mark. Here, we look back on some of her funniest, most poignant and inspiring quotes.
Best Queen Elizabeth II quotes
"These wretched babies don't come until they are ready. They don't come to order." (1988, before the birth of Princess Beatrice)
"Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of family disagreements." (1989)
"When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future." (21st birthday speech, 1947)
"It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the harsh progress of mankind." (1966 Christmas broadcast)
"Grief is the price we pay for love." (In a message of condolence to the American people following the 9/11 attacks in 2001)
"True patriotism doesn’t exclude an understanding of the patriotism of others."
"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." (In her address to the UK during the first coronavirus lockdown)
"In the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth, and the world. His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation – were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him." (Christmas broadcast, 2021, following the death of Prince Philip)
"Our modern world places such heavy demands on our time and attention that the need to remember our responsibilities to others is greater than ever." (Christmas broadcast, 2002)
"Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom." (Christmas broadcast, 1991)
- The green King: How Charles III champions nature, farming and the countryside
- British coronation sites to visit today
Top image credit: Getty Images