11 Inspiring Quotes That Prove Queen Elizabeth Only Gets Wiser Every Year
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When you spend nearly 67 years on the throne, you would think that you'd eventually run out of things to say, but that's definitely not the case for Queen Elizabeth II. The 92-year-old ruler (who is currently the longest-running monarch) has been queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand since February of 1952 (as well as 12 other Commonwealth realms since then), and in that time, she has provided us with more incredible words of wisdom than we can even count. Check out the gallery for some of the queen's most profound, poignant, and perceptive quotes during her almost 67 years in power.
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On Sensibility
"Although my experience is so short and my task so new, I have in my parents and grandparents an example which I can follow with certainty and with confidence." — From her Coronation Day speech in 1953
"The upward course of a nation's history is due in the long run to the soundness of heart of its average men and women." — From her Christmas broadcast in 1954
"Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom, and we must always be ready to listen and respect other points of view." — From her Christmas broadcast in 1991
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On Resilience
"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 Christmas broadcast in 2008
"It is my hope that, when judged by future generations, our sincerity, our willingness to take a lead, and our determination to do the right thing, will stand the test of time." — From her address to the UN General Assembly in 2010
"Families, friends, and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within. Indeed, sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often draws out the most and the best from the human spirit." — From her Christmas broadcast in 2011
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On Tolerance
"I welcome the opportunity to speak to all the people of the British Commonwealth and Empire, wherever they live, whatever race they come from, and whatever language they speak." — From her 21st birthday speech in Cape Town in 1947
"It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult." — From her Christmas broadcast in 1957
"Discrimination still exists. Some people feel that their own beliefs are being threatened. Some are unhappy about unfamiliar cultures. They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others; that diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat." — From her Christmas broadcast in 2004
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On Prince Philip
"My husband has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years, and I owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim." — From her Golden Wedding Anniversary speech at Banqueting House in 1997
"Prince Philip is, I believe, well known for declining compliments of any kind. But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide." — From her Diamond Jubilee address to the Parliament in 2012