Lilibet, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other realms and territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith — she may be a woman of many names and titles but she can be summed up quite neatly as “The Queen”. One of the most iconic rulers (and women) over the past century is Queen Elizabeth II.
On 21 April 2022, Her Majesty will turn 96 years in the same year she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, commemorating 70 years on the throne. Take part in the festivities and memorialise this significant year for a beloved leader with a luxurious accessory fit for royalty from Tateossian London.
Becoming Queen Elizabeth II
Born on 21 April 1926, Elizabeth was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother). She was not destined to ascend to the throne. Her father was second in line to the throne after his elder brother, Prince Edward. The firstborn son took the throne in 1936 after their father’s death and, as per tradition, reigned under the regnal name King Edward VIII. His rule was short-lived - Edward abdicated in the same year as his coronation in order to marry an American socialite, Wallis Simpson. This marriage was opposed by the government on the grounds of religious, legal, moral and political objections. At the time, Edward was the nominal head of the Church of England. The Church couldn’t condone the marriage, as Simpson was divorced and her previous husbands were still alive — a rule that was held firm. Elizabeth’s father took the throne and, without a male heir, Elizabeth became heir presumptive.
Elizabeth’s upbringing saw a new era for royal child-rearing. Both the world and the nation were reeling from the devastating effects of World War I and a scrutinising eye was being cast on the royal families at the time. The royals were considered frivolous and untouched by the plight of the common man, so the Duke and Duchess of York (as they were at the time) made a concerted effort to change the face of the royal family. Elizabeth played with the children of white-collar workers which gave her a keen sense of life outside the burden of the crown. She once told Horace Smith, the Royal Riding Master, that she would like to have been a lady that lived in the country with lots of horses and dogs. Even though she dreamt of a simple life, Elizabeth was prepared for the throne from an early age.
After she became heir presumptive at age 11, Elizabeth’s education was changed to better suit the teachings of a future leader. Her parents made every effort to keep her from being sheltered or spoilt. To prepare for her role as a royal, Elizabeth studied constitutional history and law with Henry Marten, the Vice-Provost of Eton College. Her religious lessons were conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, while her other subjects such as French and music were conducted by specialists in the field. Elizabeth was described as a studious pupil, but a catastrophic world event would interrupt her education.
When World War II threatened the nation’s borders, the Royal children were advised to flee to Canada in order to be protected. But the Queen Mother was determined to keep her family together during this devastating time. She famously remarked, “The children won’t go without me. I won’t leave the King. And the King will never leave.” Elizabeth and her sister Margaret would stay first at Balmoral, then Sandringham and finally Windsor. While at the time this was seen as a risky move, to keep the royal family houses at the heart of the conflict, this would provide Elizabeth with the opportunity to serve her country in unexpected ways.
Elizabeth was not satisfied being a spectator to the calamity of the war. She took action. In order to contribute to the Royal Household Wool Fund, which supplied knitting wool to make comforters for soldiers, Elizabeth and her sister staged Christmas pantomimes. But for the teenage princess, this wasn’t enough. Always dedicated to her royal responsibilities, Elizabeth embarked on a series of national visits with her parents in order to boost morale. She knew she could do more. It’s reported that she begged her parents to allow her to get involved in the war efforts. The King and Queen were unsurprisingly reluctant but eventually agreed. In February 1945, Elizabeth joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service to train as a driver and mechanic. During her service, she rose to the rank of Junior Commander (which was the female equivalent of Captain at the time). She was the first female member of the royal family to become a full-time active member of the British armed forces.
After the nation’s wartime victory, Elizabeth returned dutifully to the royal life of a princess. As her first official overseas visit, Elizabeth travelled to South Africa where she spent her 21st birthday. During this trip, she presented one of her most iconic speeches to date. The princess, before she could even fathom the future weight of her words, said, “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service to our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
Before the duties of queen were laid upon her, Elizabeth lived her life in a relatively normal manner. Her engagement and marriage to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, son of Prince Andrew of Greece and great-great-grandson of Britain's former monarch Queen Victoria, was met with positivity from the nation. Although the royal family had hesitations about the union at first, it was generally seen as a happy choice over a political arrangement. Elizabeth and Philip married on 20 November 1947 in Westminster Abbey. The wedding took place while the world was still recovering from the destructive effects of the war so fabric for Elizabeth’s dress and ingredients for the cake was purchased through donated rations. The pair welcomed their first child, Prince Charles, one year later who was soon followed by a sister, Princess Anne. Later she and Philip would welcome two more sons, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
The normality of married life and motherhood didn’t last long. King George VI passed away just 16 years into his reign. Elizabeth, who had been preparing for this inevitability all her life, started preparing for her coronation. On 2 June 1953, she was crowned Queen Elizabeth II — a title which she has held for 70 years. Her coronation was the first of its kind to be televised, with an estimated 277 million people tuned in for the broadcast, some even purchasing their first television set for the occasion.
Why the Queen has two birthdays
It may seem like a royal privilege to have two birthdays and, in some regards, it is. The tradition was started by King George II in 1748. The King, who was born in November, wanted a birthday when the weather was nicer for outdoor celebrations. He planned it so this second birthday coincided with the Trooping the Colour parade.
The Queen’s actual birthday in April is usually a private affair celebrated with family and close friends. The occasion is commemorated with gun salutes in her honour, although the previous two years they have been cancelled due to the pandemic.
The Queen’s second birthday was originally set for the second Thursday of June, until she changed it in 1959. Now it’s observed on the second Saturday of June, celebrated with the Trooping the Colour parade.
Trooping the Colour parade
The Trooping the Colour parade dates back to around 1700. In early warfare, ‘colours’ were brightly-coloured battalion flags used as rallying points. They were placed strategically so troops could see them through the haze of battle. The Trooping the Colour parade was to help troops familiarise themselves with their rank’s colours.
Nowadays, the Trooping the Colour parade brings together members of the armed services in a special military ceremony. In total, the parade consists of 1400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians. The Queen travels down The Mall from Buckingham Palace in a royal procession. Usually, she makes the journey on horseback but has recently chosen to travel in a carriage with her family. She receives a royal salute and then inspects the troops of the Household Division.
Luxury British jewelry
The Queen’s birthday might be a popular British event, but the service of Her Majesty has extended far beyond her borders. There is hardly a country in the world that hasn’t felt Queen Elizabeth II’s influence. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Tateossian London has curated a selection of luxury jewelry that personifies the dignity and prestige of British royalty.
Designer cufflinks and shirt studs
This isn’t just any birthday, this is the Queen of England’s birthday in the year celebrating the longevity of her rule — if there was ever an occasion to dress up, this would be it. A pair of luxury cufflinks are ideal for the event. Pair them with a matching set of shirt studs for a winning combination.
For the ultimate show of extravagance, the Black and White Diamond cufflinks and shirt stud set are the epitome of luxury. Set in 18k white gold, these cufflinks feature rose-cut, midnight black diamonds framed with two rows of white diamonds.
Where the black and white diamond cufflinks are pure luxury, the Deco cable round cufflinks are a fusion of opulence and interest. They blend together the design of art deco architecture with luxe white diamonds. The cufflinks are set in 18k white gold with a hand-twisted cable framing the face.
The Button cufflinks and shirt studs set are for the man who appreciates the beauty that is a little cheeky. While this set may appear to be a quirky accessory, it’s crafted with 720 sparkling black diamonds. The cufflinks and shirt studs are set on sterling silver with a braided rope wire made to look like the traditional button cross design. This set will perfectly accent your formal attire while adding a dimension of luxury, humour and intrigue. The Button Pave cufflinks are also available as a single item.
While diamonds are indeed luxurious in any form and colour, luxury can also be achieved with different materials which are just as splendid. The Rotondo Guilloche cufflinks and stud set have an iridescent mother of pearl face, set in rhodium-plated stainless steel. While the mother of pearl is enough to marvel at, this set includes the guilloche pattern that was used in classical Greek and Roman architecture. The decorative pattern doesn’t overpower the delicate mother of pearl surface but rather enhances its naturally colour-shifting appearance.
Windsor bracelet
The House of Windsor is the reigning royal house in the United Kingdom and dates back to 1901 (although it officially changed its name in 1917 to Windsor).
The Windsor Baton bracelet is a way for you to carry around the feeling of royalty. It’s available in two styles: a hand-woven macramé bracelet or a rhodium-plated sterling silver clasp bracelet. The macramé Windsor Baton bracelet combines a woven style accented with a white diamond-encrusted baton — the ultimate choice for everyday luxury. It’s unfussed and flattering, proving that feeling royal doesn’t require too much effort. The clasp version of the Windson Baton bracelet is the dressed-up version and is undeniably elegant. It features the same white diamond baton crafted with a double wrap chain and matching lobster clasp.
Pebble collection
The Pebble collection consists of coordinating pieces, designed with juxtaposing black and white diamonds. They perfectly match the timelessness and elegance of a queen.
All the pieces have an irregular pebble shape with intersecting lines that form a crossover pattern. The face of the pebble is bejewelled with black and white diamonds. While the pattern modernises these pieces, a diamond accessory will always carry a classic air of royalty. Complete the look with the Pebble diamond stud earrings, Pebble diamond necklace and the Pebble diamond bracelet. The earrings are set on a sterling silver back while both the necklace and bracelet have a sterling silver chain with a matching lobster clasp.
