Why The Queen's Latest Platinum Jubilee Honor Could Mean More To Her Than All The Rest
It has been a big year for Queen Elizabeth II. While it certainly hasn't been easy for the British monarch, who has been suffering from a few medical ailments that have sidelined her from some of her favorite events, she has still been able to celebrate several major milestones (per CNN).
This year, the entire world celebrated Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, a four-day event that marked the monarch's 70 years of leading the United Kingdom, though her service has extended across the world (via Vanity Fair). Fans of the royal family came to London from all over to celebrate this monumental occasion.
The queen took to Twitter to thank the public for their support of her throughout her time on the throne. "When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee," she penned.
Though the official celebrations wrapped up at the beginning of the month, the queen continues to be honored for her service.
The queen was given a special gift to celebrate her 70 years on the throne
Due to Queen Elizabeth II's ongoing health concerns, especially when it comes to her mobility, she was forced to miss out on one of her favorite annual events, the Royal Ascot. According to Sky News, this was the first time she had missed out on all of the horse racing events since she took the throne 70 years ago. However, she was given a special honor by the Archbishop of Canterbury, which meant the world to her.
Elizabeth met with the archbishop following the event where she was presented with a special Canterbury Cross for her service while on the throne (per People). When speaking with the archbishop, she made a quip about her health troubles, stating, "Well, as you can see, I can't move!"
According to royal editor Chris Ship, the archbishop gave the gift as "a heartfelt symbol of the love, loyalty and affection in which the Church of England holds Her Majesty". This was special to the queen, who is devoted to the church and fancies herself a woman of strong faith.