0
0
Elizabeth II Became Queen While in Kenya. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, Queen Elizabeth the Second was given birth to on April 21, 1926, and passed on on September 8th, 2022. Over the years, she served as Queen of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her demise in 2022.
She ruled as a queen regnant of 32 sovereign States during her lifetime and was head of state of 15 realms at the time of her death.
Having risen to the throne at the age of 25, Elizabeth II is the longest monarch to have reigned in the United Kingdom.
How Elizabeth II Became Queen While in Kenya; in 1952.
Did you know Elizabeth II Became Queen While in Kenya? On February 6, 1952, the day George the Sixth died at Sandringham House, Elizabeth wasn’t by her father’s side, instead, she was working for him – in the tropical Savannah, East Africa, Kenya.
By that time, the British were under fierce scrutiny in Kenya. Mau Mau fighters were gaining power in their fight against British colonization and for independence.
Though the safety of the royal family was a big concern among British officials, the King felt it was necessary for him to show face on the African continent.
Read: The Final Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
Knowing that the King was too ill to travel, Elizabeth set off on the Commonwealth tour with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh (who later became Prince Philip in 1957). Little did Elizabeth know that when she departed Heathrow on January 31, 1952, it would be the last time she’d ever see her beloved father.
Read: An Amazing Journey Of King Charles III
Lord Chandos was among the royal officials who were available when Elizabeth decided to set off for Kenya that day, and the very day the King came to give goodbye to his daughter.
I well remember the last time I saw the King. When Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip left Heathrow for Kenya, the King and Queen came to see them take off… I was shocked by the King’s appearance. I was familiar with his look and mien, but he seemed much altered and strained. I had the feeling of doom, which grew as the minutes before the time of departure ebbed away. The King went on to the roof of the building to wave goodbye. The high wind blew his hair into disorder. I felt with foreboding that this would be the last time he was to see his daughter, and that he thought so himself.”
Said Lord Chandos.
The royal couple arrived in Kenya on the first of the month, where they attended a garden party, greeted the Governor of Kenya, and enjoyed time at the Treetops Hotel, which was located in the heart of the forest. Five days into their trip, King George VI took his final breath.
On the morning of her father’s death, 25-year-old Elizabeth was perched in a treehouse in Kenya from which she’d watched a herd of elephants led by matriarchs come to a watering hole.
On Feb. 6, because of the distance and difficulty of communication, it took hours for the news of the king’s death to reach rural Kenya. The message was relayed to Philip’s private secretary, and from Philip to his wife when they’d returned to Sagana Lodge.
When the plane arrived, a black dress was quickly brought onboard so she could disembark in appropriate mourning attire.
The next day, she read a proclamation declaring her reign:
“By the sudden death of my dear father, I am called to assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty. My heart is too full for me to say more to you today than I shall always work as my father did throughout his reign, to advance the happiness and prosperity of my peoples, spread as they are all the world over.”
