In the Queen’s words…

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, passed away in Balmoral, Scotland, on September 8, but her legacy will live on… through her words.

Here are some of the most notable and inspiring quotes from her speeches, messages and addresses throughout the years:

“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”
– During her Coronation Day speech, on June 2, 1953.

“We know the reward is peace on Earth, goodwill toward men, but we cannot win it without determination and concerted effort.”
– From her Christmas broadcast in 1963

“Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly of wisdom and we must always be ready to listen and respect other points of view.”
– From her Christmas broadcast in 1991

“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.”
– From her Christmas broadcast in 2002

“With a growing spirit of mutual understanding on so many levels, we stand ready to face the global challenges ahead, knowing that when we work together we can produce effective and enduring results.”
– From her speech at the France State Banquet in 2008

“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.”
– From her 2008 Christmas broadcast

“None of us underestimates the challenges ahead: but history has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope. Working side by side, we have the ability to solve the most insurmountable problems and to triumph over the greatest of adversities.”
– From her speech at the COP26 evening reception in 2021

“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
– From her message to the people, marking her Platinum Jubilee in February this year

“In these testing times, it is my hope that you can draw strength and inspiration from what we share, as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all.”
– From her message to mark Commonwealth Day 2022

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