The Royal Family paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on her birthday with a photo of her on Instagram on Friday, April 21. In the caption, the Royal Family highlighted some key moments from the Queen’s life and celebrated her legacy on what would’ve been her 97th birthday, seven months after her death in September. “Today we remember the incredible life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on what would have been her 97th birthday,” the Royal Family wrote.
The Royal Family continued and said that her ascension to the throne was unexpected, although she became one of the most beloved monarchs in British history. “When Her Majesty was born in April 1926, Princess Elizabeth and her family did not expect that she would one day become Queen. Following the abdication of her uncle King Edward VIII in 1936, her father acceded to the throne,” they wrote.
As the Queen for over 70 years, the family highlighted that Elizabeth was the longest-reigning monarch in the history of England, and reflected on her Platinum Jubilee, which was celebrated with many activities in June 2022. “When King George VI died in February 1952, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II when she was just 25. Her Majesty went on to be Britain’s longest reigning Monarch – the only one in history to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee,” they wrote.
Besides the Royal Family, Elizabeth’s grandson Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton also shared a tribute to the Queen on their Instagram. The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a photo taken by Kate of her smiling among some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at Balmoral while similarly honoring her life. “Today would have been Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 97th birthday,” the couple wrote.
In the months since Elizabeth’s death, her family members have honored her on a number of occasions, as have many popular British celebrities. The Queen’s birthday comes weeks before her son King Charles will celebrate his coronation. While he became King immediately after her death, he will have a formal coronation ceremony and celebration on Saturday, May 6.