The Monarchy in the 21st Century – A Platinum Jubilee Tribute

2018

Harry and Meghan

It could be argued that no other event during Elizabeth’s reign symbolised a modernising monarchy more than the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, a divorced, mixed race American actress. However, the relationship between the couple and the British media grew increasingly tense after their marriage. In 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were stepping back from their role as senior royals. They later moved to Markle’s native Southern California with their son, Archie, born in 2019.

2021

Philip’s Death

On April 9, 2021, Prince Philip, Elizabeth’s husband of 73 years, died at the age of 99. For more than a half-century, Prince Philip supported his wife in her royal duties and took on an ambitious slate of obligations of his own. Philip’s funeral was held on April 17, 2021. Because of coronavirus restrictions, only 30 guests were invited to attend. Photos of the Queen sitting alone in St. George’s Chapel struck many as a symbol of her loneliness and grief.

See also: Remembering the Platinum Jubilee – Commemorative Gifts to Treasure