Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Sunday 22 December |
Saint of the Day: Bl. Jutta of Diessenberg
Aleteia logo
Lifestyle
separateurCreated with Sketch.

The religious reason Queen Elizabeth II won’t abdicate

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Jacob King | POOL | AFP

Cerith Gardiner - published on 10/27/21

After her recent trip to hospital, many are asking why the 95-year-old doesn't step down.

Help Aleteia continue its mission by making a tax-deductible donation. In this way, Aleteia's future will be yours as well.

Donate with just 3 clicks

*Your donation is tax deductible!

The Queen has been in the press a lot this October. From stepping out with a walking canefor the first time, to hosting prominent industry figures at her palace, the nonagenarian’s stamina hasn’t gone unnoticed.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)

Yet, a recent last minute cancellation to Northern Ireland and an overnight stay at King Edward VII’s Hospital have many worrying about the state of Elizabeth II’s health.

With her 70-year anniversary of being on the throne rapidly approaching, the royal’s number of royal duties seems to be stepping up — something that many of us would find hard to keep up with, especially after those long COVID months of inactivity.

However, the Queen’s royal biographer, Angela Levin, sheds light on why she won’t slow down.

On the day of her coronation, nearly seven decades ago at Westminster Abbey, the sovereign made a series of promises as to her future role as Queen. Ending with the vow: “The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.”

The biographer believes that this religious aspect of her reign has left the elderly sovereign contending with a “fight between her head and her body.” While her years are beginning to affect her, her vow before God, which was sealed with a kiss on the Bible, keeps her going.

Even if you’re not a fan of royalty, it’s difficult not to admire a 95-year-old stepping out in style, greeting people with a smile and a wave. And while many would like to see the Queen slow down, her determination and dedication is an example to us all. After all, when we make a promise — especially before God — we do our utmost to uphold it, even if it sometimes forces us to make personal sacrifices.

Tags:
FaithRoyals
Aleteia exists thanks to your donations

Help us to continue our mission of sharing Christian news and inspiring stories. Please make a donation today! Take advantage of the end of the year to get a tax deduction for 2024.

2025-Aleteia-Pilgrimage-300×250-1.png
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.