"The world is not the most pleasant place. Eventually, your parents leave you and nobody is going to go out of their way to protect you unconditionally. You need to learn to stand up for yourself and what you believe and sometimes, pardon my language, kick some ass."
About Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II — Life and Legacy
Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for over 70 years, is notable for her steadfast commitment to the British monarchy and her role as a symbol of continuity. Her leadership style was characterized by a deep sense of duty, often encapsulated in her quotes that reflect resilience and the importance of service. For instance, her assertion that 'I have to be seen to be believed' reveals her understanding of the necessity for a monarch to be present and engaged with the public to maintain trust and relevance. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth faced numerous challenges, from political upheavals to personal tragedies, yet she consistently emphasized the value of perseverance. Her quote, 'Grief is the price we pay for love,' poignantly illustrates her recognition of the emotional complexities of leadership and personal loss. This perspective not only humanized her as a monarch but also resonated deeply with her subjects, reflecting a shared experience of love and loss. The impact of her words continues to resonate today, as they encapsulate the essence of resilience and adaptability. In a rapidly changing world, her emphasis on duty and service serves as a reminder of the importance of stability and commitment, making her insights relevant across generations.
Quote collection
Queen Elizabeth II quotes (page 1 of 4)
63 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"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."
"Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom."
"I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together."
"Good memories are our second chance at happiness."
"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."
"[On being criticized for her serious expression:] I simply ache from smiling. Why are women expected to beam all the time? It's unfair. If a man looks solemn, it's automatically assumed he's a serious person, not a miserable one."
"Family does not necessarily mean blood relatives but often a description of a community, organisation or nation."
"I don’t like to badmouth people. But I’m the head of a monarchy that began in the ninth century, and I’m apparently more modern than Chris Christie. Look, I know he has to appeal to the crazy right-wingers in his party, but the fact is, he’s not as forward-thinking as an eighty-seven-year-old lady who wears a crown on her head. It’s pathetic."
"It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the hard progress of humankind."
"I have to be seen to be believed."
"We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock."
"Grief is the price we pay for love."
"Therefore I am sure that this, my Coronation, is not the symbol of a power and a splendour that are gone but a declaration of our hopes for the future, and for the years I may, by God's Grace and Mercy, be given to reign and serve you as your Queen."
"It's all to do with the training: you can do a lot if you're properly trained."
"There are long periods when life seems a small, dull round, a petty business with no point, and then suddenly we are caught up in some great event which gives us a glimpse of the solid and durable foundations of our existence."
"I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else - I can give my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations."
"For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God's love, as we strive daily to become better people. The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach."
"They are not royal. They just happen to have me as their aunt."
"Work is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on earth."