by Lee Cohen, Spectator
Easter Monday would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 99th birthday, a milestone that invites reflection on her extraordinary reign and the faith that defined it. An aspect of the late beloved Queen’s character that set her apart from so many other modern world leaders was her profound commitment to her faith. Her Christian belief was not just a duty but a deeply personal conviction. Her superb legacy as Defender of the Faith resonates powerfully, and it should stand as a clarion call to King Charles and his heirs to prioritise the Christian identity that so endeared his mother to her people – or risk losing the monarchy’s vital spiritual anchor.
Elizabeth II’s faith was the heartbeat of her 70-year reign. Crowned in 1953, she swore to uphold the Church of England, a vow she honoured with unwavering devotion her whole life long. Her Christmas broadcasts, especially later in life, were sermon-like, weaving biblical stories like the Good Samaritan into calls for compassion and service. She once wrote that Christ’s teachings were her guide, a sentiment that echoed in her daily life – whether worshiping at Crathie Kirk or appointing bishops who shaped Anglicanism’s course. Her faith was not performative; it was lived, as Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby noted, “hour by hour, day by day.” This authenticity made her a moral compass in turbulent times, earning her the affection of millions who saw her as the last truly Christian monarch.