Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family

Britain’s monarchy stretches back further than almost any other similar institution. Over 1,500 years, between the Early Middle Ages and the early 20th century, its history was at best checkered. The position of British kings and queens of this period—some rogues, some average, a few genuinely heroic—rose from that of exalted tribal leaders to rulers appointed by God. Their role then changed slowly, and at times painfully, into that of living symbols, politically neutral personifications of their realm. This long and extraordinarily diverse tale mirrors that of the nation itself. Its keynote is the triumph of pragmatism—survival through adaptability.