Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
- Published:
- 07 September 2022
- Last updated:
- 19 September 2022
The National Trust is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Director-General Hilary McGrady says: 'It is difficult to put into words how much The Queen has meant to people in this country and around the world. During her reign, Her Majesty's towering leadership and unshakeable integrity have been sources of pride and inspiration for generations of people across the globe. She selflessly devoted her life to public and voluntary service while championing vitally important issues, from the preservation of wildlife and the environment to opportunities for young people.'
Historic occasions
For 70 years, we were honoured to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to a variety of places in our care.
For the historic 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta on the meadow at Runnymede on 15 June 2015, The Queen attended a huge international event along with The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of Cambridge, The Princess Royal and many other dignitaries from across the world.
This was a return to the site where she had dedicated two memorials years earlier – the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial in 1953 and the John F. Kennedy Memorial in 1965.
As part of her tour to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, The Queen visited Trelissick and Penrhyn Castle. To help us mark one of our own anniversaries, the centenary of the founding of the Trust in 1995, she hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen visited the iconic site of Giant’s Causeway in June 2016, where she met not only our rangers and volunteers but also local craftspeople, schoolchildren and some lucky visiting tourists.
In celebration
Our places have joined in with many national celebrations for The Queen during her reign, including the lighting of beacons for different occasions – most recently to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.
For the Silver Jubilee in 1977, our celebrations included tree planting on May Hill in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire and a Jubilee Garden created at Trengwainton. We also renamed the Daffodil Walk at Anglesey Abbey to become Jubilee Avenue and planted hornbeams.
Royal interests
Other members of the Royal Family have also graciously supported our activities. His Majesty The King succeeded his grandmother The Queen Mother as the National Trust’s President after her death.