Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth kingdoms since 1952, Elizabeth II (1926-2022) was a contemporary monarch who left her mark on history. His reign left an indelible mark on several generations, stretching from Australia to Northern Ireland. A controversial figure in Ireland, his reign spanned many key moments in modern Irish history… making him both a beloved and contested figure in Ireland. A look back at 70 years of reign, and its impact on the island of Ireland…
Before looking at the direct impact of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign on Ireland, it is essential to understand the complex history that links these two nations. English rule over Ireland dates back several centuries, marked by rebellions, famines and religious tensions.
The 20th century saw the partition of Ireland in 1921, giving rise to the independent Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which remained part of the United Kingdom. This division had far-reaching repercussions, notably with the emergence of the Northern Irish conflict in the 1960s.
Elizabeth came to the throne in 1952, at a time when relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland were relatively stable, though still sensitive. However, the situation in Northern Ireland rapidly changed, giving rise to the “Troubles”, a period of violence and instability that lasted almost three decades.
Elizabeth’s reign coincided precisely with the peak of the Troubles. Although it has maintained a neutral stance in public, it has borne the full brunt of the Northern Irish conflict. Her husband Philip even lost his uncle, Lord Mountbatten, in an attack by the Provisional IRA on August 27, 1979.
Reserved and constantly playing the neutrality card, she would have been particularly affected by the conflict, seeking solutions to the conflict.
Queen Elizabeth II – Benutzer:Mr.Clemens – cc
In 2011, Elizabeth II took a significant step forward with a state visit to the Republic of Ireland. It was the first visit by a British monarch in 100 years. It marked a moment of reconciliation, with the Queen honoring the Irish rebels and acknowledging past wrongs.
Elizabeth II’s reign saw the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, officially ending the Troubles and ushering in an era of cooperation between the UK and Ireland. The Queen played a discreet but essential role in this process.
The stabilization of political relations has led to an intensification of cultural and economic exchanges. Royal visits, such as that of Prince Charles in 2015, have strengthened these ties, demonstrating a mutual willingness to look to the future.
However, the British royal family remains particularly unpopular in Ireland, as in Northern Ireland. It’s a feeling fuelled by the complex history that has pitted Ireland against the United Kingdom for centuries (many Irish people do not forgive the colonial invasions of the British Empire).
In addition, more and more Irish and Northern Irish people seem to be questioning the legitimacy of the royal family. For many, the Windsors are above all costing the British a fortune, without being an absolute political necessity.
Worse still, the escapades of the royal family during Elizabeth II’s reign have greatly weakened their image. Between tabloid scandals, adulteries and darker affairs, Elizabeth II’s family is now the subject of many questions.
The death of the monarch in 2022, and the succession of Charles III, seem to be speeding up reflections on the legitimacy of the Windsors…
