Queen Elizabeth’s lowest popularity was after Lady Di’s death; understand

Died this Thursday (8), Queen Elizabeth II had her popularity as a registered symbol of someone who remained at the head of one of the main European powers for seven decades and went through several historical events, from World War II to the pandemic. of Covid-19.

Hundreds of people gathered in front of Buckingham Palace – the official residence of the royals in London – after the news about the queen’s health, proving her popularity among the British. With the confirmation of her death, crowds took to the streets, while authorities and celebrities paid tribute to the monarch. But she did not always have the sympathy of the population high.

The Queen’s popularity was shaken after the death of Princess Diana, ex-wife of then Prince Charles, direct heir to the throne. This is because Diana, known as “the people’s princess” according to former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, did not agree with some traditions and behaviors of members of the Royal Family and ended up officially divorcing Charles in 1996, a year later. before passing away.

As Blair mentioned in a speech after Diana’s death, the princess spoke openly about issues of concern to the people, such as domestic violence and the fight against AIDS. One of the moments that resonated at the time was the handshake with a patient carrying the virus who was without gloves. Lady Di’s demeanor won her the sympathy of the people, who mourned her death in 1997, when she was 36 years old.

After the princess’s death, a portion of the British population was outraged by the queen’s silence. the english newspaper “The Express” registered in the headline of his copy, in the edition the day after the event, the phrase “show us you care” (show us that you care, in the literal translation), alluding to the lack of positioning of the monarch until then.

Five days after Lady Di’s death, Queen Elizabeth gave a live address following criticism for not making any public statements about the incident. She said she “respected” and “admired” Diana for her treatment of others, especially her devotion to her children. When the princess died, she left her children William and Harry, who were teenagers, aged 15 and 12 respectively.

Amid the unease with Diana’s admirers and the British press, Elizabeth made a gesture of respect to her ex-daughter-in-law as she bowed before the coffin that carried the body, in front of Buckingham Palace.

The queen inclined her head slightly towards Diana, although she was not obliged to carry out this type of reconnaissance. “The Queen bows to no one — ever,” historian Jane Ridley said on the CNN series.

Experts at the time said the gesture was important to end the tension between the people and the Royal Family and lead to a kind of reconciliation between the British and the royals.

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