the queen guildhall speech

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This is the speech that Queen Mary I made at the Guildhall, on 1 st February 1554, as recorded in Holinshed’s Chronicles. London was threatened by the rebel army of Thomas Wyatt, which had arrived at Southwark. Wyatt and his men of Kent had been remarkably successful; a force brought by the Duke of Norfolk had deserted him and joined the rebels. Wyatt had captured some guns and taken Cowling castle; London was in a ferment, and Mary’s Councillors told her that she must flee, to Windsor castle maybe, and safety.

Mary knew better, and knew that London must not fall and would be more likely to do so without her presence there. So she told her Council to come with her from Westminster to the heart of the City of London, to the Guildhall. As the procession passed along the Strand, the crowd gathered, eventually to be calmed by the Lord Mayor. And Mary spoke:

I am (quoth she) come unto you in mine own person, to tell you that which already you do see and know, that is how traitorously & seditiously a number of Kentish rebels have assembled themselves together against both us and you. Their pretense (as they said at the first) was only to resist a marriage determined between us and the prince of Spain. To which pretended quarrel, and to all the rest of their evil contrived articles ye have been made privy. Since which time, we have caused diverse of our privy council to resort [unclear] to the said rebels, and to demand of them the cause of their continuance in their seditious enterprise. By whose answers made again to our said council, it appeared that the marriage is found to be the least of their quarrel. For they now swearing from their former articles, have betrayed the inward treason of their hearts, as most arrogantly demanding the possession of our person, the keeping of our tower, and not only the placing and displacing of our councillors; but also to use them and us at their pleasures. Now loving subjects, what I am, you right well know. I am your queen, to whom at my coronation when I was wedded to the realm and to the laws of the same (the spousall ring wereof I have on my finger, which never hither to was, nor hereafter shall be left off) ye promised your allegiance and obedience unto me. And that I am the right and true inheritor to the crown of this realm of England; I not only take all Christendom to witness, but also your acts of parliament confirming the same. My father (as ye all know) possessed the regal estate by right of inheritance, which now by the same right descended unto me. And to him always ye shewed your selves most faithful and loving subjects, and him obeyed and served as your liege lord and king: and therefore I doubt not but you will shew your selves likewise to me his daughter. Which if you do, then may you not suffer any rebel to usurp the governance of our person, or to occupy our estate, especially being so presumptuous a traitor as this Wyatt hath shewed himself to be; who must certainly, as he hath abused my ignorant subjects to be adherents to his traitorous quarrel; so doth he intend by colour of the law, to subdue the laws to his evil, and to give scope to the rascally and forlorn persons, to make general havoc and spoilation of your goods. And this further I say unto you in the word of a prince, I cannot tell how naturally a mother loveth her children, for I was never the mother of any, but certainly a prince and governor may as naturally and as earnestly love subjects, as the mother doth her child. Then assure yourselves, that I being sovereign lady and queen, do as earnestly and as tenderly love and favour you. And I thus loving you, cannot but think that ye as heartily and faithfully love me again: and so loving together in this know of love and concord, I doubt not, but we together shall be able to give these rebels a short and speedy overthrow. And as concerning the case of my intended marriage, against which they pretend their quarrel, ye shall understand that I entered not into the treaty thereof without advise of all our privy council; yea, and by assent of those to whom the king my father committed his trust, who so considered and weighted the great commodities that might inuse thereof, that they not only thought it very honourable, but expedient, both for the wealth of our realm, and also of all our loving subiects. And as touching my self (I assure you) I am not so desirous of wedding, neither so precise or wedded to my will, that either for mine own pleasure I will choose where I lust; or rise so amorous as needs I must have one. For God I thank him (to whom be the praise thereof) I have hitherto lived a virgin, and doubting nothing but with Gods grace shall as well be able so to live still. But if as my progenitors have done before, it might please God that I might leave some fruit of my body behind me to be your governor, I trust you would not only rejoice there at, but also I know it would be to your great comfort. And certainly if I either did know or think, that this marriage should either turn to the danger or loss of any of you my loving subjects, or to the detriment of impairing of any part or parcel of the royal estate of this realm of England, I would never consent there unto, neither would I ever marry while I lived. And in the word of a queen I promise and assure you, that if it shall not probably appear before the nobility and commons in the high court of parliament, that this marriage shall be for the singular benefit and commodity of all the whole realm; that then I will abstain, not only from this marriage, but also from any other, whereof peril may ensue to this most noble realm. Wherefore now as good and faithful subjects pluck up your harts, and like true men stand fast with your lawful prince against these rebels, both our enemies and yours, and fear them not: for assure you that I fear them nothing at all, and I will leave with you my lord Howard and my lord Treasurer to be your assistants, with my lord Mayor, for the defense and safeguard of this city from spoil and sacking, which is only the scope of this rebellious company.

February 1, 1554 – Mary I Speech at Guildhall Opposing Wyatt’s Rebellion

After assuming the throne in 1553, Mary I did what would After have been expected from any queen: she searched for a husband so that she could produce an heir. Unfortunately for Mary, she chose Philip of Spain – which infuriated many in her country and led to an uprising. Led by Sir Thomas Wyatt (the son of the poet who wrote verse to Anne Boleyn) and several others, the rebels wanted to prevent the marriage to a foreign power…and place the Protestant Elizabeth on the throne. When news came that Wyatt’s troops were preparing to storm the city, Mary spoke to her people at Guildhall, exhorting them to bravely support her. It was a brilliant speech, one that led twenty thousand men to swarm to her side. Many believe that Elizabeth used it as the basis for her Armada speech…but that’s a story for another day.

Here is the text of that speech:

I am come in mine own person to tell you what you already see and know; I mean the traitorous and seditious assembling of the Kentish rebels against us and you. Their pretense (as they say) is to resist a marriage between us and the prince of Spain; of all of their plots and evil-contrived articles you have been informed. Since then, our council have resorted to the rebels, demanding the cause of their continued emprise. By their answers, the marriage is found to be the least of their quarrel; for, swerving from their former demands, they now arrogantly require the governance of our person, the keeping of our town, and the placing of our councilors. What I am, loving subjects, ye right well know – your queen, to whom, at my coronation, ye promised allegiance and obedience. I was then wedded to the realm, and to the laws of the same, the spousal ring whereof I wear here on my finger, and it never has and never shall be left off. That I am the rightful and true inheritor of the English crown I not only take all of Christendom to witness, but also your acts of Parliament confirming the same. My father (as ye all know) possessed the same regal estate; to him ye were always loving subjects. Therefore I doubt not, ye will show yourselves so to me, his daughter; not suffering any rebel, especially so presumptuous a one as this Wyatt, to usurp the government of our person.

And this I say on the word of a prince. I cannot tell how naturally a mother loveth her children, for I never had any; but if subjects may be loved as a mother doth her child, then assure yourselves that I, your sovereign lady and queen, do as earnestly love and favor you. I cannot but think that you love me in return; and thus, bound in concord, we shall be able, I doubt not, to give these rebels a speedy overthrow.

Now, concerning my intended marriage; I am neither so desirous of wedding, nor so precisely wedded to my will, that I needs must have a husband. Hitherto I have lived a virgin, and I doubt not, with God’s grace, to live so still. But if, as my ancestors have done, it might please God that I should leave you a successor to be your governor, I trust you would rejoice thereat; also, I know it would be to your comfort. Yet, if I thought this marriage would endanger any of you, my loving subjects, or the royal estate of this English realm, I would never consent thereto, or marry while I loved. On the word of a queen I assure you, that if the marriage appear not before the high court of parliament, the nobility, and commons for the singular benefit of the whole realm, then I will abstain – not only from this, but from every other.

Wherefore, good subjects, pluck up your hearts! Like true men, stand fast with your lawful sovereign against these rebels, and fear them not – for I do not, I assure you. I leave with you my lord Howard and my lord treasurer [Winchester], to assist my lord mayor in the safeguard of the city from spoil and sack, which is the only aim of the rebellious crew.

Agnes Strickland, Lives of the Queens of England, Volume VI (quoting from Holinshed’s Chronicles)

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[…] February 1, 1554 – Mary I Speech at Guildhall Opposing Wyatt’s Rebellion […]

Enjoyed studying this, very good stuff, thanks.

So Elizabeth wasn’t the first Queen called herself “mother of his people”

No, and indeed Mary was also the first to use the coronation ring as the symbol of her marriage to England!

“Word of a Prince”: Collaborative Authorship in Mary I’s Guildhall Speech

First Online: 20 September 2023

Cite this chapter

Moira R. Duncan 5

Part of the book series: Queenship and Power ((QAP))

58 Accesses

Today, even despite extensive scholarly revisionism, the reign of Mary I is largely remembered in popular culture as “the horrible and bloudy time of Queene Mary,” a religious fanatic who burned hundreds of religious dissidents at the stake. This portrayal, however, is largely a result of Protestant propaganda, like John Foxe’s The Acts and Monuments. During her reign, Mary was written about favorably by many of her contemporaries such as John Proctor, John Christopherson, Simon Renard, and Cardinal Pole. These sources depict the queen as intelligent, brave, and quick witted. This is best illustrated in Mary’s famous Guildhall speech, delivered at the height of the Wyatt rebellion, on February 1, 1554, in order to persuade her audience of her cause and gain her people’s support. This chapter aims to analyze some under-examined sources of that speech and argues that they shed light on her skills as an orator and the processes of collaborative authorship in the sixteenth century.

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Christy Beemer, “The Female Monarchy,” Rhetoric Review 30, no. 3 (2011): 261.

David Loades, Two Tudor Conspiracies (London: Cambridge University Press, 1965), 66; Foxe, The first volume of the ecclesiasticall history contaynyng the actes and monuments of thynges passed in euery kynges tyme in this realme (London: Iohn Daye, 1570), 1556; John Gough Nichols, ed., The Diary of Henry Machyn, Citizen and Merchant-Taylor of London, 1550–1563 (London: Camden Society, 1848), 53; John Proctor, The historie of Wyates rebellion with the order and maner of resisting the same (London: Robert Caly, 1554), fols. 53r-54v.

Jonathan McGovern, “A Herald’s Account of Mary I’s Oration at the Guildhall,” Notes and Queries 66, no. 3 (2019): 387; Foxe, The Acts and Monuments , 1556; Richard Grafton, A chronicle at large and mere history of the affayres of Englande (London: Henry Denham, 1569), 1332–3; Raphael Holinshed, The firste volume of the Chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande (London: Henry Bynneman, 1577), 1728–9.

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Sarah Duncan, Mary I (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2021); David Loades, Two Tudor Conspiracies ; Diarmaid MacCulloch and Anthony Fletcher, Tudor Rebellions (New York: Routledge, 2020); Whitelock, Mary Tudor .

Heather Hirschfeld, “Early Modern Collaboration and Theories of Authorship,” PMLA 116, no. 3 (2001): 609–622.

Patricia Pender, ed., Gender, Authorship and Early Modern Women’s Collaboration (Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2017), 1–2.

Danielle Clarke, “Nostalgia, Anachronism, and the Editing of Early Modern Women’s Text,” Text: An Interdisciplinary Annual of Textual Studies 15 (2002): 187–209.

Patricia Pender, “Reading Bale Reading Anne Askew: Contested Collaboration in the Examination,” Huntington Library Quarterly 73, no. 3 (2010): 518–21. Pender’s italics.

Kimberly Anne Coles, “The Death of the Author (and the Appropriation of Her Text): The Case of Anne Askew’s Examinations ,” Modern Philology 99 (2002): 531.

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Pender, “Reading Bale Reading Anne,” 518–9.

Pender, 520.

Leah S. Marcus, “Collaboration in the Parliamentary Speeches of Queen Elizabeth I,” Gender, Authorship and Early Modern Women’s Collaboration , ed. Patricia Pender (Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2017), 48.

John Foxe, The Unabridged Acts and Monuments Online or TAMO , 1570 ed., bk. 10, (Sheffield: The Digital Humanities Institute, 2011), 1618. http://www.dhi.ac.uk/foxe . For this chapter, I will be using TAMO for direct quotations.

Marcus, “Collaboration in the Parliamentary Speeches of Queen Elizabeth I,” 63.

Marcus, 64–65.

John Proctor, “The Historie of Wiats Rebellion,” 1st leaf.

John King, “The book-trade under Edward VI and Mary I,” in The Cambridge History of the Book in Britain, vol III (1400–1557) , ed. Lotte Hellinga and J. B. Trapp (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008), 166, 171; William H. Wiatt, “The Lost History of Wyatt’s Rebellion,” Renaissance News 15, no. 2 (1962): 129.

Elizabeth Evenden and Thomas S. Freeman, Religion and the Book in Early Modern England: The Making of Foxe’s “Book of Martyrs” (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013), 147.

Evenden and Freeman, Religion and the Book in Early Modern England , 129.

Pender, Gender, Authorship and Women’s Collaboration , 3.

Grafton, Chronicle and History of England , 1332; Holinshed, Chronicles of England , 1728. For this chapter, I have transcribed Grafton when referring to both Grafton and Holinshed. There may be minor variations in spelling; for example, y instead of i or u instead of v. For the purpose of this paper, however, these variations those will not be considered significant differences. I have noted the significant differences between the two renditions, like the addition of words, using square brackets.

Holinshed, 1728.

Foxe, TAMO , 1618.

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Grafton, Chronicle and History of England , 1332; Holinshed, Chronicles of England , 1728.

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Grafton, 1332; Holinshed, 1728.

Kennedy, “The Imperial Embassy of Wyatt’s Rebellion,” 254–5.

Jonathan Wright, “Christopherson, John (d. 1558), bishop of Chichester,” Oxford Dictionary of National Biography , 2005, https://doi-org.proxy.bib.uottawa.ca/10.1093/ref:odnb/5373

Christopherson, Exhortation to all Menne , Q3r.

Cardinal Pole. “Feb. 8. MS. St. Mark’s Library. Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.” in Calendar of State Papers Relating to English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, 1534–15,554 , vol. 5, ed., Rawdon Brown (London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1873), Cod. xxiv. Cl. x; Foxe, TAMO , 1618; Grafton, Chronicle and History of England , 1332; Holinshed, Chronicles of England , 1728; Proctor, The historie of Wyates rebellion , 54.

Foxe, 1618; Grafton, 1332; Holinshed, 1728.

Proctor, The historie of Wyates rebellion , 54.

Proctor, 54.

Christopherson, Exhortation to all Menne , Q1v.

Pole, “Feb. 8. MS. St. Mark’s Library,” Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.

Pole, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.

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Church of England, The Book of Common Prayer (London: 1552), quoted in Beemer, “The Female Monarchy,” 264.

Grafton, Chronicle and History of England , 1333; Holinshed, Chronicles of England , 1728.

Grafton, 1333; Holinshed, 1728.

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Christopherson, P6r.

Christopherson, P7r.

1 Sam. 16: 1–13.

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Duncan, M.R. (2023). “Word of a Prince”: Collaborative Authorship in Mary I’s Guildhall Speech. In: Schutte, V., Hower, J.S. (eds) Mid-Tudor Queenship and Memory. Queenship and Power. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35688-9_7

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Tudor Minute

Tudor Minute February 1, 1554: Mary I’s Speech at the Guildhall

by Heather - February 1, 2023

Today is the anniversary of Mary I’s speech at the Guildhall to rally her troops against Wyatt’s Rebellion. Wyatt’s rebels were advancing on London, and Mary wanted to get her people ready, and ensure that they weren’t going to help the rebels when they arrived. By all accounts, she was successful. John Proctor wrote, “She ‘did so wonderfully enamour the hearts of the hearers as it was world to hear with what shouts they exalted the honour and magnanimity of Queen Mary.” Wyatt’s rebellion was largely out of fear of what would happen if Mary married Philip of Spain. Elizabeth I often gets more credit for her speech to the troops during the Spanish Armada, but listen to this:

“I am your Queen, to whom at my coronation, when I was wedded to the realm and laws of the same (the spousal ring whereof I have on my finger, which never hitherto was, not hereafter shall be, left off), you promised your allegiance and obedience to me…. And I say to you, on the word of a Prince, I cannot tell how naturally the mother loveth the child, for I was never the mother of any; but certainly, if a Prince and Governor may as naturally and earnestly love her subjects as the mother doth love the child, then assure yourselves that I, being your lady and mistress, do as earnestly and tenderly love and favour you. And I, thus loving you, cannot but think that ye as heartily and faithfully love me; and then I doubt not but we shall give these rebels a short and speedy overthrow’.

That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th-century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com where there are several episodes on Tudor Rebellions. Suggested links: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Mary I (but probably should) Episode 054: Rebellions Part Three Spring 2018 Tudor Summit: Tudor Rebellions

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Queen's real 'annus horribilis' speech in full - how her actual words compare to The Crown

The Queen's infamous 'Annus Horribilis' speech features in season five of The Crown - but how accurate is their version of events? We look at her real 1992 speech

15:09, 11 Nov 2022

On November 25, 1992, the late Queen gave one of her most infamous speeches. In her address at Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession to the throne, she admitted the year wasn't one she would look back on with "undiluted pleasure" and said it was her 'Annus Horribilis'.

The 12 months saw the collapse of three of her children's marriages, including her heir Charles, and a devastating fire at Windsor Castle.

The famous speech is recreated in the latest season of The Crown, which sees actress Imelda Staunton take on the role of the Queen. But with huge controversy around the accuracy of the latest series of the Netflix show, how much of the speech did the late Monarch actually say? Let's take a look...

Queen's 'Annus Horribilis' speech in full

My Lord Mayor,

Could I say, first, how delighted I am that the Lady Mayoress is here today.

This great hall has provided me with some of the most memorable events of my life. The hospitality of the City of London is famous around the world, but nowhere is it more appreciated than among the members of my family. I am deeply grateful that you, my Lord Mayor, and the Corporation, have seen fit to mark the fortieth anniversary of my Accession with this splendid lunch, and by giving me a picture which I will greatly cherish.

Thank you also for inviting representatives of so many organisations with which I and my family have special connections, in some cases stretching back over several generations. To use an expression more common north of the Border, this is a real 'gathering of the clans'.

1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an 'Annus Horribilis'. I suspect that I am not alone in thinking it so. Indeed, I suspect that there are very few people or institutions unaffected by these last months of worldwide turmoil and uncertainty. This generosity and whole-hearted kindness of the Corporation of the City to Prince Philip and me would be welcome at any time, but at this particular moment, in the aftermath of Friday's tragic fire at Windsor, it is especially so.

And, after this last weekend, we appreciate all the more what has been set before us today. Years of experience, however, have made us a bit more canny than the lady, less well versed than us in the splendours of City hospitality, who, when she was offered a balloon glass for her brandy, asked for 'only half a glass, please'.

It is possible to have too much of a good thing. A well-meaning Bishop was obviously doing his best when he told Queen Victoria, "Ma'am, we cannot pray too often, nor too fervently, for the Royal Family". The Queen's reply was: "Too fervently, no; too often, yes". I, like Queen Victoria, have always been a believer in that old maxim "moderation in all things".

I sometimes wonder how future generations will judge the events of this tumultuous year. I dare say that history will take a slightly more moderate view than that of some contemporary commentators. Distance is well-known to lend enchantment, even to the less attractive views. After all, it has the inestimable advantage of hindsight.

But it can also lend an extra dimension to judgement, giving it a leavening of moderation and compassion - even of wisdom - that is sometimes lacking in the reactions of those whose task it is in life to offer instant opinions on all things great and small.

No section of the community has all the virtues, neither does any have all the vices. I am quite sure that most people try to do their jobs as best they can, even if the result is not always entirely successful. He who has never failed to reach perfection has a right to be the harshest critic.

There can be no doubt, of course, that criticism is good for people and institutions that are part of public life. No institution - City, Monarchy, whatever - should expect to be free from the scrutiny of those who give it their loyalty and support, not to mention those who don't.

But we are all part of the same fabric of our national society and that scrutiny, by one part of another, can be just as effective if it is made with a touch of gentleness, good humour and understanding.

This sort of questioning can also act, and it should do so, as an effective engine for change. The City is a good example of the way the process of change can be incorporated into the stability and continuity of a great institution. I particularly admire, my Lord Mayor, the way in which the City has adapted so nimbly to what the Prayer Book calls "The changes and chances of this mortal life".

You have set an example of how it is possible to remain effective and dynamic without losing those indefinable qualities, style and character. We only have to look around this great hall to see the truth of that.

Forty years is quite a long time. I am glad to have had the chance to witness, and to take part in, many dramatic changes in life in this country. But I am glad to say that the magnificent standard of hospitality given on so many occasions to the Sovereign by the Lord Mayor of London has not changed at all. It is an outward symbol of one other unchanging factor which I value above all - the loyalty given to me and to my family by so many people in this country, and the Commonwealth, throughout my reign.

You, my Lord Mayor, and all those whose prayers - fervent, I hope, but not too frequent - have sustained me through all these years, are friends indeed. Prince Philip and I give you all, wherever you may be, our most humble thanks.

And now I ask you to rise and drink the health of the Lord Mayor and Corporation of London.

MORE ON Commonwealth The Queen Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Victoria of the United Kingdom Royal Family

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1 February – Mary I’s rousing speech

On this day in Tudor history, 1st February 1554, Queen Mary I gave a rousing speech to the citizens of London. In this video, I explain why she did it and what she said

Click here to read more about Wyatt's Rebellion.

Also on this day in history:

1506 – Birth of George Buchanan, Scottish historian, poet, playwright, humanist scholar and administrator, at Moss Farm in Killearn, Stirling, Scotland. Buchanan's works included two tragedies: “Baptistes” and “Jephthes”, his satire “Chamaeleon”, poems and books of verses, the treatise De jure Regni apud Scotos and his Rerum Scoticarum Historia, a history of Scotland.
1514 – Henry VIII granted the Dukedom of Suffolk to Charles Brandon, his future brother-in-law, and also made Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, and Howard's son, also Thomas, the Earl of Surrey.
1547 – The executors of Henry VIII's will appointed Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford, to the offices of Lord Protector of the Realm and Governor of the King's Person. Click here to read more.
1552 – Birth of Roger Cooke, alchemist and former assistant of Dr John Dee. He also appears to have been employed by Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland and a man known as the “Wizard Earl” to set up and run a still house in the Tower of London.
1555 – Burial of Jane Dudley, Duchess of Northumberland and wife of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, at Chelsea.
1562 – Death of Sir Richard Edgcumbe, courtier and politician. He was buried at Maker Church in Cornwall. Edgcumb served as a member of Parliament for Cornwall, High Sheriff of Devon (1543 and 1552), High Sheriff of Cornwall (1556) and Commissioner of Muster in Cornwall in 1557. In 1559, he was appointed as a Commissioner for the Royal Visitation of the Diocese of Exeter.
1587 - Elizabeth I called her secretary, William Davison, to her and asked him to bring her Mary, Queen of Scots's death warrant. She then signed it.

Notes and Sources

The historie of Wyates rebellion with the order and maner of resisting the same, wherunto in the ende is added an earnest conference with the degenerate and sedicious rebelles for the serche of the cause of their daily disorder. Made and compyled by John Proctor. Proctor, John, 1521?-1584. Read on Early English Books Online at https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A10150.0001.001?rgn=main;view=fulltext
ed. Jeffery, EdwardThe Antiquarian repertory: a miscellaneous assemblage of topography, history..., p. 92-93 in The Historie of Wyate's Rebellion with the Order and Maner of Resisting the same, John Proctor. Google Books , p. 65 onwards.
Foxe, John, Fox's Book of Martyrs; Or, The Acts and Monuments of the ... , Volume I, revised and improved by Rev. John Malham, re-edited by Rev. T. Pratt, 1830, p.162-3. Read at Google Books

URL for this post : https://www.tudorsociety.com/1-february-mary-is-rousing-speech/

Only 1 comment so far Go To Comment

Mary remained in London when the realm was in danger while Elizabeth ran away for the majority of the time the Armada threatened hiding in the countryside, playing with her monkey and not even bothering to ensure the fleet had enough ammunition. She only came out to make her well timed appearance in Tutbury where the army had gathered, to give her own speech which was rousing, but well after the danger had passed.

Elizabeth even pinched her sister’s ring speech and her coronation gown. The two speeches have the same essential ingredients and we see Mary as she really was, not the myth of much later propaganda.

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What Happened During Queen Elizabeth’s Annus Horribilis

Disaster after disaster hit the British royal family in 1992.

preview for Queen Elizabeth's 'Annus Horribilis' Speech in 1992

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The monarch chose not to elaborate in 1992 on exactly why she conceded that it was “not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure.” However, the many ways in which the royal family had made the headlines over the previous months left few in any doubt as to what events she was referring to. We take a look at exactly what really happened during that eventful year.

February: A Lone Princess Diana at The Taj Mahal Sets Sombre Tone

When Prince Charles and Princess Diana embarked on a royal tour to India in February 1992, Palace officials presumably hoped it would be resonate diplomatically on the world stage. But the trip is most remembered for a very different reason—one of the most iconic images of Diana ever taken showing her sat alone outside the Taj Mahal. With Charles working elsewhere, Diana visited the stunning 17th Century marble mausoleum by herself and posed for an image that would foreshadow their split and become symbolic of her feelings of isolation.

diana princess of wales sits in front of the taj mahal durin

March: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson Announce Separation

In years to come, Prince Andrew would heap far greater scandal on the royal family. But on March 19 1992, it was the breakdown of his marriage that was creating undesirable headlines. The BBC reported that the Queen found speculation around Andrew and Sarah’s relationship “especially undesirable” as a statement was released saying that lawyers had initiated discussions about a formal separation between the Duke and Duchess of York.

They went on to divorce in 1996 although continue to be close friends and even live together, with Sarah frequently describing them in interviews as “the happiest divorced couple in the world.”

April: Princess Anne and Mark Phillips Divorce

Princess Anne announced her separation from husband Mark Phillips in August 1989 after nearly 16 years of marriage. But it wasn’t until three years later, in April 1992, that the divorce was granted and a statement was made to that effect. By then, it was already widely known that a romance had blossomed between Anne and her mother’s equerry Timothy Laurence . They went public with their relationship later in 1992 and married on December 12 of that year.

In 1991, it emerged that Mark Phillips had fathered a daughter in 1985 with a New Zealand art teacher.

June: Andrew Morton’s Princess Diana biography is Published

It is now well-known that Princess Diana was a source for Andrew Morton’s sensational biography Diana: Her True Story , which lifted the lid on her unhappiness within the royal fold. But when the book was first published in June 1992, the BBC reported that Buckingham Palace said she “did not co-operate with the biography in any way whatsoever.” The book revealed that she attempted suicide and detailed her struggles with an eating disorder. The revelations rocked the monarchy as they reverberated around the world .

Simon & Schuster Diana: Her True Story--in Her Own Words

August: Tabloid Scandals

Despite the fact that Andrew and Sarah had already separated, when she was pictured on the front page of the Daily Mirror on August 20, 1992 appearing intimate with Texan financial advisor John Bryan, it was still very much a royal scandal. Sarah was at Balmoral with the royals when the news broke and she later wrote that there were “eyes wide and mouths ajar” at the news. The scandal is often viewed as a turning point in Sarah’s relations with the royals.

Just three days later, on August 23, The Sun published a front-page story about a recorded conversation between Diana and James Gilbey, which would become known as the “Squidgygate” scandal. The conversation, which dated back to 1989, featured her speaking about her life in the royal family.

November: Windsor Castle Fire And Financial Controversy

Just as a disastrous year was coming to a close, things quite literally went up in smoke. The Windsor Castle fire took hold in the morning of November 20 when a spotlight ignited a curtain in Queen Victoria’s private chapel. “Within three hours 225 firemen from seven counties were battling the flames,” the Royal Collection notes. Staff managed to move priceless art from the fire’s path but it ravaged 115 castle rooms including nine state rooms.

Initial estimates for the cost of the repair reached as high as $90 million and there was widespread backlash after the Secretary of State for National Heritage said public money would be used. This eventually led to Buckingham Palace being opened to the public over the summer of 1993 for the first time as a way of raising funds for the repairs. The summer openings continue to this day.

Prince Philip chaired the Restoration Committee and the work was completed exactly five years later at a final cost of £36.5 million.

In November 1992, it was also announced that the Queen would pay income tax for the first time the following year, although Buckingham Palace denied that this was related to questions over royal finances following the fire, the BBC reported .

November: The Queen Makes Her Annus Horribilis Speech

The Queen made her annus horribilis speech on November 24, just four days after the Windsor Castle fire. “This generosity and whole-hearted kindness of the Corporation of the City to Prince Philip and me would be welcome at any time, but at this particular moment, in the aftermath of Friday's tragic fire at Windsor, it is especially so,” she said. She offered a touch of—perhaps naive—optimism over how “future generations will judge the events of this tumultuous year,” saying, “Distance is well-known to lend enchantment, even to the less attractive views. After all, it has the inestimable advantage of hindsight.”

December: Prince Charles and Diana Announce Separation

The royal dramas continued to play out publicly right until the end of 1992, with Charles and Diana’s separation announced on December 9. Prime Minister John Major read out a statement in the House of Commons which said that “with regret” they had decided to separate. The statement said the decision was reached “amicably” and that there were “no plans to divorce and their constitutional positions are unaffected.”

The New York Times described it as “the unhappy ending today to a storybook marriage gone badly wrong.”

December: The Queen’s Christmas Message

As she she did every year throughout her reign (apart from in 1969), the Queen delivered a Christmas Message summing up the events of 1992. While not as memorable as her speech in November, it did address the “difficult days” the family had faced and also thanked the public for “support and encouragement.” “As some of you may have heard me observe, it has, indeed, been a sombre year,” the Queen said. “But Christmas is surely the right moment to try to put it behind us and to find a moment to pray for those, wherever they are, who are doing their best in all sorts of ways to make things better in 1993.”

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021.

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Why did The Queen call 1992 her annus horribilis?

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Queen Elizabeth II delivering her 1992 'annus horribilis' speech during the Ruby Jubilee

The late Queen Elizabeth II gave many speeches throughout her reign as monarch of the UK.

Perhaps one of the best known – now recreated by actor Imelda Staunton for the controversial fifth series of Netflix drama The Crown – was given during Her Majesty’s Ruby Jubilee .

The year was 1992, three decades ago now. Marking 40 years on the throne, The Queen attended an event at Guildhall and revealed that the year hadn’t been her favourite, to say the least.

Her Majesty said: ‘1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an annus horribilis.

‘I suspect that I am not alone in thinking it so. Indeed, I suspect that there are very few people or institutions unaffected by these last months of worldwide turmoil and uncertainty.’

But what exactly does that phrase mean – and why was it such an unpleasant year for The Queen?

Let’s take a look back.

What does ‘annus horribilis’ mean?

Put simply, ‘annus horribilis’ is a Latin phrase that means ‘horrible year’.

‘Annus’ is the origin of the present day English words ‘annual’ and ‘annually’, which mean ‘once per year’ or every year’.

‘Horribilis’, naturally, needs very little explanation…

There were several reasons why Her Majesty did not rate 1992.

One of which was, on November 20 that year, a devastating fire ripped through her beloved Windsor Castle .

It destroyed 115 rooms, including nine state rooms – 235 firemen were called in from seven counties to help tackle the blaze, which raged for 15 hours until the early hours of November 21.

Her Majesty’s annus horribilis speech was read on November 24, just days after.

The Queen noted: ‘This generosity and whole-hearted kindness of the Corporation of the City to Prince Philip and me would be welcome at any time, but at this particular moment, in the aftermath of Friday’s tragic fire at Windsor, it is especially so.’

Of course, it wasn’t just the fire that prompted the now-iconic words.

A flurry of marriage breakdowns and negative press rocked the Royal Family in 1992.

In March that year, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York (aka ‘Fergie’) announced their separation. In August, Fergie would be pictured on holiday with a man kissing her feet.

In April, Anne, The Princess Royal finalised her divorce from husband Captain Mark Phillips.

Throughout all of 1992, the breakdown of the marriage between King Charles (then Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales was all over the papers – dubbed ‘the War of the Waleses’ by the media.

The biography Diana: Her True Story by Andrew Morton came out in February 1992, and was an explosive read at the time.

In August, a private phone call between the Princess of Wales and James Gilbey was leaked, during which he affectionately called her ‘squidgy’ (so the scandal was dubbed ‘squidgygate’).

By December, Charles and Diana had announced to the world that they were separating .

Andrew Morton posing with copies of Diana: Her True Story in 1992

Just a month later, in January 1993, Charles and Queen Consort Camilla (then just Camilla Parker-Bowles) had their own intimate phone call leaked – dubbed ‘tampongate’ .

What else happened in 1992?

Separately from The Queen’s speech, 1992 also saw a number of significant world events.

In the UK, there were numerous instances of rioting in England, IRA bombings, and the closure of 31 out of 50 deep coal mines – costing tens of thousands of jobs.

Globally, it was the year the Bosnian War began, the Maastricht Treaty (founding the European Union) was signed, and a 1992 referendum among white voters in South Africa supported the end of apartheid.

The formal ending of the Cold War was also marked in the US – by the signing of a joint declaration by its president George Bush and Russian president Boris Yeltsin.

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'The Crown': Queen Elizabeth's 'Annus Horribilis' Speech and What Happened to the Royal Family in 1992

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Episode 4 of The Crown 's fifth season is ominously titled "Annus Horribilis." It's a unique phrase, one that was popularized by Queen Elizabeth II during her Ruby Jubilee speech in November 1992.

As the year was drawing to an end, the queen used the speech to reflect on the scandals that had rocked the royal family over the previous months, admitting, "1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure."

From the constant press attention on Prince Charles' unhappy marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales , to paparazzi scandals surrounding Prince Andrew's split from Sarah Ferguson, to the Windsor Castle fire that caused millions in damage to the royal family's primary residence, there was plenty for the queen to be distraught about at the end of 1992, and The Crown explores it all in the moving episode.

Here's a look at all the things that conspired to make the year the queen's "annus horribilis."

The Scandals

Undoubtedly the biggest royal scandal in 1992 -- and for much of the '90s -- was the media scrutiny surrounding Princess Diana, and the end of her marriage to Prince Charles. But 1992 was the year of two major breaches of trust between Diana and the royal family.

First, was the publication of Andrew Morton's tell-all book, Diana: Her True Story . Upon its release, Morton claimed that he did not interview Diana for the book, but it was later discovered that she recorded a series of stream-of-consciousness recordings with her friend, James Colthurst, that Morton used to craft the book.

The biography featured shocking revelations including Diana's multiple suicide attempts, memorably one where she threw herself down a flight of stairs while pregnant with Prince William , her struggles with eating disorders, and the difficult life she faced within the royal family.

The second Diana-centric scandal of 1992 was the release of a taped conversation between her and her friend, James Gilbey, which was leaked to the press after reportedly being accidentally recorded by a radio enthusiast. The incident became known as "Squidgygate" because of the number of times that Gilbey affectionately referred to Diana as "Squidgy" during the conversation.

On the tape, Diana and Gilbey discussed a variety of topics, including her relationships with members of the royal family and Diana's fear of becoming pregnant. The leak and publication of the "Squidgygate" recordings, as well as the "Camillagate" tapes , led to intense speculation over the security of the royals' phone lines. However, then-Prime MinisterJohn Major's government eventually published two reports, both of which cleared MI5 and MI6 of involvement in the tapes.

1992 was a tumultuous year for royal marriages, as Princess Anne finalized her divorce from her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, with whom she shares two children, and, months later, married Commander Sir Timothy Laurence, whom she had met while he served as her mother's equerry.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, also announced his separation from wife Sarah Ferguson in 1992, following long periods of estrangement and public speculation about Fergie's relationship with Texan multimillionaire Steve Wyatt. In August of that year, the Daily Mirror published paparazzi photographs of John Bryan, an American financial manager, kissing Sarah's toes as she sunbathed topless, inviting further scandal on the royal family.

And finally, of course, there was Charles and Diana. Following the pair's very public extramarital affairs, the "Camillagate" scandal and the release of Morton's book, British Prime Minister John Major announced the couple's legal separation in Parliament in December 1992. While their divorce would not be finalized for several more years, the writing was on the wall by the end of the "annus horribilis."

Perhaps the most flagrant and public example of the royal family's misfortune came on Nov. 20, 1992 when a fire broke out in Windsor Castle, the official residence of the queen. The fire began in the queen's Private Chapel when a curtain was ignited by a spotlight pressed up against it. Over the next 12 hours, the fire spread throughout the residence, destroying parts of the structure, priceless furniture and works of art.

The fire caused extensive damage and the repairs over the next few years cost £36.5 million. Items from the Royal Collection lost include the Sir William Beechey portrait George III and the Prince of Wales Reviewing Troops , which was too large for firefighters to remove, several items of porcelain, multiple chandeliers, the Willis organ and the 1851 Great Exhibition Axminster carpet. Peter Brooke, then the Secretary of State for National Heritage, called the fire a "national disaster."

"Annus Horribilis" ends with the queen's speech at Guildhall on Nov. 24 1992, marking her Ruby Jubilee, the 40th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. In her speech, the queen reflects on the difficult year, as well as the recent Windsor Castle fire.

Read the full text of the queen's speech below:

My Lord Mayor,

Could I say, first, how delighted I am that the Lady Mayoress is here today.

And now I ask you to rise and drink the health of the Lord Mayor and Corporation of London.

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The life of Queen Elizabeth II – a timeline

Key dates in the life of the Queen, from her birth in April 1926 to her death in September 2022

The Queen Mother (then the Duchess of York) with her husband, King George VI (then the Duke of York), and their daughter Princess Elizabeth at her christening

21 April 1926

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor is born at 2.40am at 17 Bruton Street, London, her maternal grandparents’ house. It was home to her parents, Elizabeth (née Bowes-Lyon), and Albert, Duke of York, the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. She was third in line to the throne behind her father and Edward, Prince of Wales.

21 August 1930

Elizabeth’s sister, Princess Margaret Rose , is born.

20 January 1936

George V dies. Edward VIII becomes king .

Princess Elizabeth hugging a corgi dog, 1936

10 December 1936

Edward VIII abdicates so that he can marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

11 December 1936

Bertie, the Duke of York, is formally proclaimed King George VI. Princess Elizabeth is now heiress presumptive.

Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret as guide and brownie, in 1937

Elizabeth becomes a Girl Guide at the age of 11.

12 May 1937

Coronation of George VI at Westminster Abbey.

King George VI after the coronation ceremony with his wife Queen Elizabeth and daughters Elizabeth and Margaret

21 April 1939

Elizabeth celebrates her 13th birthday , and begins a course of study at home under the vice-provost of Eton College.

22 July 1939

Princess Elizabeth meets Cadet Capt Philip of Greece at the Royal Dartmouth naval college.

3 September 1939

Britain declares war on Germany.

7 September 1940

The blitz on London begins. While the King and Queen stay in the city, Elizabeth and Margaret are evacuated to Windsor.

Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret making a broadcast to the children of the Empire during World War II

13 October 1940

Elizabeth makes her first broadcast to the nation.

21 April 1942

On her 16th birthday, Elizabeth carries out her first public engagement when she inspects the Grenadier Guards, of which she had been appointed colonel-in-chief.

Princess Elizabeth holding Sue, a corgi pup, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, 1944

21 April 1944

Elizabeth receives her first corgi , Susan, as an 18th birthday present.

4 March 1945

Elizabeth joins the Auxiliary Territorial Service , learning how to drive and maintain vehicles.

Elizabeth makes her first overseas visit, to South Africa , and gives a speech dedicating herself to the Commonwealth.

10 July 1947

Buckingham Palace announces the engagement of Princess Elizabeth to Lt Philip Mountbatten , her third cousin.

20 November 1947

The couple marry at Westminster Abbey. He is thenceforth known as the Duke of Edinburgh.

14 November 1948

Prince Charles is born.

15 August 1950

Princess Anne, now the Princess Royal, is born.

31 January 1950

Elizabeth and Philip leave for a tour of east Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Queen Elizabeth II of England gets off plane, greeted by (from R to L) Sir Winston Churchill, Clement Attlee, Anthony Eden and Frederick James Marquis, 1st Earl of Woolton and Lord President of the Council, 8 February 1952, as she returns from Kenya

6 February 1952

George VI dies and Elizabeth II succeeds to the throne. She is in Kenya when her father dies – the first British monarch since George I to be out of the country at the time of succession.

Queen Elizabeth II (right) and Princess Margaret Rose (1930 - 2002), wearing black veils in the mourning cortege of their late father, King George VI between Sandringham House, Norfolk and Westminster Hall, London

15 February 1952

Funeral of George VI takes place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh with their two young children

7 April 1952

Proclamation issued declaring the family’s dynastic surname will remain Windsor.

2 June 1953

Coronation of Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey in the first televised coronation service.

24 November 1953

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh embark on a tour of the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh leave the House of Assembly in Hamilton, Bermuda, during a six-month tour of the Commonwealth nations, November 1953

15 May 1954

The royal couple return to England after six months abroad.

Princess Margaret in a limousine on her way to Clarence House after a weekend in the country where Peter Townsend was also a guest, 17 October 1955

31 October 1955

Princess Margaret releases a statement confirming she will not marry Gp Capt Peter Townsend. Her relationship with him had been controversial because he was divorced, and her request to marry him – with its echoes of the abdication crisis – had been opposed by large sections of the establishment.

November 1956

Britain and France invade Egypt in a botched attempt to seize control of the Suez canal. Lord Mountbatten later claimed the Queen disapproved of the venture.

21 October 1957

The Queen visits New York and addresses the UN general assembly.

Prince Andrew in Queen Elizabeth II’s arms, 22 March 1960, Buckingham Palace

19 February 1960

Prince Andrew, now the Duke of York, is born.

Newly-wed Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband, the photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones wave 6 May 1960 from Buckingham Palace in London on their wedding day

Princess Margaret marries the photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones.

10 March 1964

Prince Edward, now the Earl of Wessex, is born.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Pictured here passing the Berlin Wall in the Potsdamer Platz , Berlin in an open top car, 27 May 1965

The Queen visits West Germany, the first British monarch to do so since the first world war.

20 September 1967

The Queen launches the Cunard cruise liner the Queen Elizabeth II (popularly known as the QE2).

21 June 1969

First broadcast of Royal Family , a documentary with unprecedented access to the family’s daily life.

Queen Elizabeth II crowns her son Charles, Prince of Wales, during his investiture ceremony at Caernarvon Castle

1 July 1969

Prince Charles is invested Prince of Wales. Lord Snowdon designs a new coronet for the occasion as the Duke of Windsor took the previous one with him to Paris.

First walkabout during a state visit of Australia and New Zealand.

20 October 1973

The Queen opens Jørn Utzon’s Sydney Opera House in Australia.

14 November 1973

Princess Anne marries Capt Mark Phillips.

Queen Elizabeth II pays an official visit to the Cook Islands, 1974

February 1974

The Queen’s tour of Australia and Polynesia is interrupted after the prime minister Edward Heath calls a snap general election. She flies back to Britain.

November 1975

The Queen refuses to intervene in an Australian constitutional crisis when the prime minister Gough Whitlam is dismissed by the governor general Sir John Kerr.

7 June 1977

Queen’s silver jubilee. More than a million people line the streets of London, and a chain of beacons is lit across the country.

The Union flag-draped coffin of Lord Mountatten rests on a catafalque during the funeral service in Westminster Abbey

27 August 1979

Lord Mountbatten, Prince Philip’s uncle, is killed by an IRA bomb off the coast of Sligo in the west of Ireland.

November 1979

Sir Anthony Blunt, the former surveyor of the Queen’s pictures, is exposed as a communist spy.

Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales pose for photographs following the announcement of their engagement in the grounds of Buckingham Palace on February 24, 1981 in London

24 February 1981

Prince Charles announces his engagement to Lady Diana Spencer.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, following their wedding at St. Pauls Cathedral, June 29, 1981

29 July 1981

Charles and Diana marry in St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

13 June 1981

Shots are fired at the Queen as she attends Trooping the Colour. Marcus Serjeant, a 17-year-old air cadet from Folkestone, Kent, pleads guilty under the 1842 Treason Act and is jailed for five years. The shots were blanks.

Princess Diana, Princess of Wales, and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales look on lovingly at baby Prince William on the day of his Christening at Buckingham Palace in 1982

21 June 1982

Diana gives birth to Prince William.

9 July 1982

Michael Fagan breaks into the Queen’s bedroom during the early hours, evading alarms, guards and police. He sits on the edge of her bed, talking for 10 minutes, before being led away by footman Paul Whybrew, given a whisky and arrested.

Princess Diana at St Mary’s Hospital after the birth of her baby son Prince Harry Birth of Prince Harry, Lindo Wing, St Mary’s Hospital, London, September 1984

15 September 1984

Diana gives birth to Prince Harry.

23 July 1986

Andrew marries publishing executive Sarah Ferguson , known as Fergie.

7 June 1992

The first instalment of the serialisation of Andrew Morton’s book, Diana: Her True Story, appears in the Sunday Times , revealing that Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles continued to have an affair during his marriage to Diana, that Diana tried to kill herself and had bulimia. It later emerges that much of the information had been supplied by Diana herself.

20 November 1992

Windsor Castle is partly destroyed by fire.

24 November 1992

The Queen gives a speech at Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession. In it, she refers to recent events as part of an “annus horribilis”.

9 December 1992

The prime minister John Major announces in the House of Commons that Charles and Diana are to separate.

Buckingham Palace is opened to the general public for the first time to help fund the restoration of Windsor Castle.

The Queen and the French president François Mitterrand open the Channel Tunnel.

28 August 1996

Charles and Diana’s marriage is dissolved

31 August 1997

Diana dies in a car crash in Paris. The Queen stays in seclusion for several days, and is heavily criticised in the press for her silence. Then, on the eve of Diana’s funeral, she does a walkabout to meet mourners outside Buckingham Palace and gives a televised address, speaking “as your Queen and as a grandmother” and paying tribute to Diana. “She was an exceptional and gifted human being,” she said. “In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness.”

Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia returns to Portsmouth flying her paying-off pennant for the last time

11 December 1997

Her Majesty’s yacht Britannia is decommissioned; the government decides against funding a replacement.

Queen Elizabeth II making her speech in the House of Lords

24 November 1998

The Queen’s speech at the opening of parliament announces plans to abolish the traditional rights of 700 hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords.

Queen Elizabeth II, In Cardiff for the Official Opening of the National Assembly of Wales

26 May 1999

The Queen opens the national assembly in Wales.

The Queen and Prince Phillip leave Holyrood House in Edinburgh

1 July 1999

The Queen opens the Scottish parliament.

Elizabeth’s sister, Princess Margaret, dies .

30 March 2002

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, dies .

30 April 2002

Elizabeth launches her golden jubilee celebrations with a speech to both houses of parliament.

9 April 2005

Prince Charles marries Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony at Windsor’s Guildhall. The Queen attends the service of blessing held for the couple at St George’s Chapel.

21 April 2006

The Queen celebrates her 80th birthday.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20

19 Nov 2007

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh mark their 60th wedding anniversary.

22 December 2007

Elizabeth II surpasses Victoria to become the UK’s oldest reigning monarch.

14 Oct 2010

The Queen cancels a planned Christmas party at Buckingham Palace after deciding it would be inappropriate to celebrate as Britons feel the effects of the economic crisis.

29 April 2011

Prince William, second in line to the throne , marries Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey.

17-20 May 2011

The Queen visits Ireland , becoming the first British monarch to do so since its independence in 1921. She expresses sympathy to those who suffered during hundreds of years of conflict between the two neighbours.

The 60th anniversary of the death of George VI and of Elizabeth’s accession to the throne.

2-5 June 2012

Events take place throughout the country to celebrate Elizabeth’s diamond jubilee , including a pageant of 670 boats sailing along the Thames in London.

Actor Daniel Craig playing James Bond escorting Queen Elizabeth II through the corridors of Buckingham Palace

27 July 2012

The Queen opens the London Olympics . In her first acting role, a film shows her leaving Buckingham Palace with James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, and appearing to parachute into the stadium in Stratford, east London.

25 April 2013

The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 receives royal assent , so that the eldest child inherits the throne regardless of gender. The act also ends the disqualification from the line of succession of a person married to a Catholic.

4 June 2013

The Queen joins 2,000 guests for a service at Westminster Abbey to mark 60 years since her coronation.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they sit with their son Prince George in the garden of the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire

22 July 2013

The Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to a son at 4.24pm. Prince George is third in line to the throne.

The Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to a daughter at 8.34am. Princess Charlotte is fourth in line to the throne.

Queen Elizabeth at her desk in her private audience room in Buckingham Palace

9 September 2015

The Queen surpasses her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, and becomes Britain’s longest ever reigning monarch.

21 April 2016

The Queen celebrates her 90th birthday.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh raises his hat in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, makes his final individual public engagement as he attends a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge

2 August 2017

Prince Philip, aged 96, retires from his official royal duties as the Queen’s consort, having completed 22,219 solo engagements and 5,493 speeches since 1952.

Queen Elizabeth II posing wearing a suite of sapphire jewellery given to her by King George VI as a wedding gift in 1947

6 February 2017

The Queen becomes the first British monarch to commemorate a sapphire jubilee.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, taken in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle

20 November 2017

The Queen and Prince Philip celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary after 70 years of marriage. She is the first British monarch to do so.

23 April 2018

The Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to a second son at 11.01am. Prince Louis is fifth in line to the throne.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex emerge from the West Door of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, after their wedding ceremony.

19 May 2018

Prince Harry, sixth in line to the throne, marries Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Prince Harry, Meghan and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, show their newborn son Archie to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle, 8 May

The Duchess of Sussex gives birth to a son at 5.26am. Archie Mountbatten-Windsor is seventh in line to the throne.

20 November 2019

The Queen in effect suspends Prince Andrew from duties by giving him permission to “step back from public duties for the foreseeable future” after intense public reaction to a BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

8 January 2020

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announce they will step back from their roles in public life as senior members of the royal family, and will divide their time between the UK and North America. The couple confirm they will become financially independent and cease to represent the Queen. They retain their HRH stylings but are not permitted to use them.

19 March 2020

The Queen and Prince Philip move to Windsor Castle and sequester there as a precaution as the coronavirus hits the UK. Public engagements are cancelled and Windsor Castle follows a strict sanitary protocol nicknamed HMS Bubble.

Queen Elizabeth during her address to the nation and the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19), recorded at Windsor Castle

5 April 2020

The Queen gives a rare televised address to the nation , the fifth in her 68-year reign, as an unprecedented lockdown is enforced. The monarch thanks her subjects for following government rules to stay at home, praises key workers, and asks people to “take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return”. She adds: “We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.” The broadcast is watched by an estimated 24 million viewers.

7 March 2021

In a hotly anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey , the Duchess of Sussex claims members of the royal family had openly expressed concerns about how dark her son Archie’s skin would be and says they had tried to deny him a royal title. Both Meghan and Prince Harry make a point of praising the Queen and instead direct their criticism at the royal household. Two days later, the Queen issues a statement saying “the issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning” and that “some recollections may vary”.

9 April 2021

Prince Philip dies “peacefully” at the age of 99 at Windsor Castle, two months before his 100th birthday. The Queen, who was at his bedside, describes his death as leaving “a huge void” in her life. Philip is the longest-serving royal consort in history.

Elizabeth II takes her seat for the funeral service of Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh inside St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle

17 April 2021

Funeral of Prince Philip at Windsor. He had indicated wishes for a smaller funeral, though amendments were still made to bring his service in line with Covid regulations, including quarantine for members of his family travelling from abroad.

4 June 2021

The Duchess of Sussex gives birth to a daughter. Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor is eighth in line to the throne.

20 October 2021

The Queen reluctantly cancels a planned two-day visit to Northern Ireland after advice from her doctors that she should rest.

Queen Elizabeth II records a video message to attendees on the opening day of the Cop26 summit in Glasgow, 1 November

The Queen spends a night at King Edward VII’s hospital after being admitted for “preliminary investigations” having cancelled a two-day trip to Northern Ireland on the advice of doctors that she should rest for a few days. A palace source said a “cautious approach” had been taken by the medical team aiding the monarch and the overnight stay was for practical reasons, adding that she returned to Windsor and was undertaking “light duties” the next day. It was her first overnight stay in hospital since 2013, when she was treated for gastroenteritis.

13 Jan 2022

The Queen further distances the monarchy from the Duke of York by stripping him of his military affiliations and royal patronages. The palace also says he will not use the style His Royal Highness in any official capacity. The move means Prince Andrew is completely removed from royal life.

15 February 2022

Prince Andrew settles the sexual assault case filed against him by Virginia Giuffre for an undisclosed sum, avoiding having to give evidence in a trial and protecting the royal family from further reputational damage.

Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, along with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as part of Trooping the Colour parade during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London on 2 June 2022

2-5 June 2022

The Queen celebrates her platinum jubilee after a record 70 years on the throne. She crowns the historic celebrations with a last-minute appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, bringing to a close four days of festivities over a bumper bank holiday weekend. In a written message, she says she is “humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate”.

Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience at at Balmoral, Scotland

6 September 2022

In a break from tradition as a result of her ongoing mobility issues, the Queen appoints the 15th prime minister of her reign , Liz Truss, at Balmoral Castle rather than Buckingham Palace. The outgoing prime minister, Boris Johnson, also travels to Scotland to offer his resignation to the Queen. The following day she postpones a privy council meeting, which she was due to attend virtually, under doctors’ advice to rest.

This article was amended on 14 September 2022 because an earlier version incorrectly referred to Mitterrand as the prime minister of France. He was the president.

Queen Elizabeth II

The Crown: The reality of the Queen's 'Annus Horribilis' speech

The fourth episode of the fifth series sees the Queen, played by Imelda Staunton, reflect on the scandals and heartbreak of 1992 in her Ruby Jubilee speech

14:36, 11 NOV 2022

Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown

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The Crown is back for a fifth series, with fans of the show sinking their teeth into the events and scandals that shrouded the Royal Family in the 1990s. As the Netflix series is a 'fictionalised dramatisation' of real situations, viewers are being shown a sometimes exaggerated or entirely fictionalised recollection of events, which can vastly differ from what really happened between the years of 1991 and 1997.

One of the historical moments that features in the fifth series of the drama is the Queen's memorable 'Annus Horribiliis' speech, with episode four of the series bearing the name of the unforgettable Ruby Jubilee speech, which she read in November 1992. With just weeks to go before the end of the year, the Queen reflected on the scandals that had shaken the Royal Family over the course of the months leading up to the speech.

The speech was read by the Queen at Guildhall to celebrate 40 years of the Queen's reign on the anniversary of her Accession on November 24, 1992. However, the words read out by the late monarch were far from celebratory, with one of the most memorable lines said by Her Majesty during the speech being: "1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure."

Read more: Edwina Currie says 'div' Matt Hancock has made a big mistake

1992 was a very dramatic year for the Royal Family, with the press keeping a firm eye on multiple members as a number of scandals unfolded. From Charles and Diana's ill-fated marriage and the toe-kissing photo which followed Prince Andrew's separation from Sarah Ferguson, to the many millions of pounds of damage the Royal Family had to foot after a fire ripped through Windsor Castle.

The blaze had been sparked just four days before the Queen made her speech, on the morning of November 20. The fire, started by a faulty spotlight in the Queen's private chapel, ripped through the royal Berkshire residence, causing millions of pounds of destruction for hours on end.

The Queen stands between fire engines in the grounds of Windsor Castle with the chief fire officer

As a result of the fire, the Royal Family had to foot a staggering bill of £36.5 million, with a number of items from the Royal Collection lost forever, including the Sir William Beechey portrait George III and the Prince of Wales Reviewing Troops - which was too large for firefighters to remove - several items of porcelain, multiple chandeliers, the Willis organ and the 1851 Great Exhibition Axminster carpet, according to ET . Then-Secretary of State for National Heritage Peter Brooke branded the fire a 'national disaster'.

In terms of the divorces and separations, three of the Queen's four children endured splits from their respective partners in 1992. Princess Anne finalised her divorce from her first husband and father of her two children, Captain Mark Phillips, marrying Commander Sir Timothy Laurence a few months later, whom she met whilst he was serving as her mother's equerry.

Meanwhile, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson announced their separation, after a long period of estrangement and public speculation regarding Fergie's relationship with Texan multimillionaire Steve Wyatt. In August of 1992, paparazzi photographs were published by The Mirror, showing American financial manager John Bryan kissing Fergie's toes as she sunbathed topless in France, which caused a fair deal of trouble for the Royal Family.

Most famously, Charles and Diana's relationship, which had been crumbling for some time, finally ended, with then-Prime Minister John Major announcing the couple's separation in Parliament in December 1992. Despite their separation being announced in 1992, Charles and Diana did not have their divorce finalised until August 1996.

The separation of Charles and Diana came after two very public 1992 scandals which severed a large amount of trust between Diana and the Royal Family. That year, Andrew Morton released his bombshell book, 'Diana: Her True Story', a shocking biography which contained some unnerving revelations pertaining to Diana's multiple attempts to end her own life, her eating disorders and the difficult life she had living with the Royal Family.

Morton, following the release of the biography, claimed he had not interviewed the then-Princess of Wales for the work, but it was later revealed that he had used a number of stream-of-consciousness recordings made by Diana alongside her friend, James Colthurst, to write it.

Another scandal relating to Diana which rocked the Royal Family in 1992 was the leaking of a taped conversation between her and her friend, James Gilbey, to the press. The conversation was allegedly taped by a radio enthusiast, and the incident became known as 'Squidgygate' due to the number of times Gilbey affectionately referred to Diana as 'Squidgy', as some sort of pet name.

In the recording, Diana and Gilbey could be heard discussing her relationship with various members of the royal family and her fear of getting pregnant. Both the leaking of the 'Squidgygate' and 'Camillagate' recordings led to a lot of speculation regarding the security of the Royal Family's phone lines, although two reports published by John Major's government cleared both the MI5 and MI6 of involvement in the scandals.

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Mary I's speech at the Guildhall

The first year of Mary 's reign witnessed a Protestant rebellion led by Sir Thomas Wyatt . The uprising was sparked by her impending marriage to Felipe II of Spain . Mary gave this famous speech at the Guildhall appealing for her subjects' loyalty and support. Recorded by John Foxe in the The Actes and Monuments of these latter and perillous dayes.

'I am your Queen, to whom at my coronation, when I was wedded to the realm and laws of the same (the spousal ring whereof I have on my finger, which never hitherto was, not hereafter shall be, left off), you promised your allegiance and obedience to me.... And I say to you, on the word of a Prince, I cannot tell how naturally the mother loveth the child, for I was never the mother of any; but certainly, if a Prince and Governor may as naturally and earnestly love her subjects as the mother doth love the child, then assure yourselves that I, being your lady and mistress, do as earnestly and tenderly love and favour you. And I, thus loving you, cannot but think that ye as heartily and faithfully love me; and then I doubt not but we shall give these rebels a short and speedy overthrow'.

With the royal family rocked by cancer diagnoses, Queen Camilla is stepping up, sprinkling some much-needed stardust

Analysis With the royal family rocked by cancer diagnoses, Queen Camilla is stepping up, sprinkling some much-needed stardust

Queen Camilla smiles as she greets two women.

It was February 2022 when the late Queen Elizabeth II expressed her "sincere wish" that her daughter-in-law would be known as "Queen Consort" when her son, Prince Charles, became King.

That astute nod to her people — in the late sovereign's "70th anniversary of her accession" message — six months before she died was a recognition of Camilla's place in her son's life and the resilience of their love-match. It also paved the way for a future coronation in which we saw Camilla crowned and anointed alongside her husband.

It was crucial for King Charles who, in his maiden speech as King, said: "I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla."

But the late monarch could have had no idea quite how central Camilla would become — barely a year into the reign of Charles III — not just to her son but to the United Kingdom.

Queen Elizabeth and Camilla sit side by side in a carriage smiling and waving

In an interview in June 2022 Camilla told me that she was "greatly honoured" and "deeply touched" by the Queen's pronouncement, and also that she had learned from the late Duke of Edinburgh that as consort, "your place is several feet behind the monarch".

"You're there as a backup," she said.

Today Queen Camilla is shouldering a much bigger role. The whole world has been shocked at the news that both the King and his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, are currently undergoing cancer treatment . These serious health issues mean the two senior royals have had to step back from public life.

Camilla on the front foot

Princess Catherine's emotional and courageous video announcement from her Windsor home, surrounded by daffodils, will surely go down in history as a watershed royal moment. And as that news continues to reverberate, 76-year-old Queen Camilla is stepping into the void with a burgeoning programme of public engagements, many standing in for the King.

Last week Her Majesty delivered a speech for her husband on a visit to the Isle of Man, off the north-west coast of England.

"My husband is so sorry that he cannot be with us today on this extremely special occasion, but he has sent me here armed with a copy of his speech to read out on his behalf," she said in her address to Douglas Borough Council.

The Queen followed this with an important solo visit to Northern Ireland which had been in planning for months. On Thursday Camilla will be standing in for the King once more, distributing "Maundy Money" in red and white purses to 75 men and 75 women during a service at England's Worcester Cathedral.

It's one of those quaint set pieces of antiquated pomp and ceremony that picks up the golden thread of British monarchy and sprinkles some much needed community stardust in what has become an undeniably challenging time.

The origin of the Royal Distribution dates back to 1210, when King John was on the throne. The number of purses denotes the monarch's age — the King is 75 — and the money, specially minted coins, is to thank recipients for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of others in their communities.

The engagement is especially notable because Camilla will be the first consort to carry out this ancient ritual. Not two steps behind, very much on the front foot.

This Easter will be a muted occasion

In a BBC documentary screened at the end of last year, Annabel Elliot described her sister Camilla as the King's "rock" — and she is certainly showing that now.

The Queen was a dominant figure leading the House of Windsor at the Commonwealth Day Service and is increasingly being welcomed and embraced at public engagements. She's also reported to be closer than ever to Prince William, bonding in their shared experience as both strive to keep calm and carry on.

In recent weeks much has been made of the paucity of working royals at the top of the House of Windsor, but there are nine royals to call on and Camilla has been very present, as has her sister-in-law Princess Anne. Camilla is "resilient" and "devoted" to her royal duty, UK's Telegraph newspaper proclaimed this week. She will "step up to do whatever is asked of her".

A woman and a man standing, and speaking to each other, with smiles on their faces.

There is still a long way to go, of course. Easter Sunday is usually a time when we see the royal family out in force — but this year it will certainly be a muted occasion.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children will be absent as they guard their privacy and precious time together as a family at home in Anmer Hall in Norfolk.

But King Charles will be back alongside Queen Camilla for a service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle along with other members of the royal family.

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Caring for his wife, stepping in for his father and estranged from his brother, William goes it alone

Princess Catherine wearing a blue coat holds her daughters hand next to William and sons George and Louis

Why are we so consumed by what 'should be' done as a doubtless traumatised 42-year-old mother grapples with her health?

A hand holding a smartphone showing an article about Princess Catherine's cancer diagnosis.

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Biden holds record-breaking New York City fundraiser with Barack Obama and Bill Clinton

By Aaron Navarro , Jordan Freiman

Updated on: March 29, 2024 / 6:54 AM EDT / CBS News

President Biden participated in a star-studded fundraiser with former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton on Thursday in New York City in an event expected to raise more than $25 million for the president's re-election campaign.

Thursday's New York City fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall was hosted by actress Mindy Kaling and featured performances by several musical guests and artists, including Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo and Lea Michele. The event was capped off with a nearly hourlong discussion between Mr. Biden, Obama and Clinton moderated by "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert.

Obama accompanied Mr. Biden on the Air Force One flight from Washington, D.C., to New York earlier in the day.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and first lady Jill Biden also delivered remarks during the event.

Schumer touted several of Mr. Biden's accomplishments and spoke of the potential for not just the president's re-election, but for Democrats to control all three branches of government with key wins in the 2024 election.

"Re-elect Joe Biden as president, put Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker, keep me as Majority Leader, and the next four years will be better than this. You ain't seen nothing yet," the Senate majority leader said.

The first lady, joined by several other members of the Biden family, recalled that after she agreed to marry Mr. Biden, "He said, 'Jill, I promise you, your life will never change.' Well that, of course, turned out to be wildly untrue."

She also spoke of the large sum raised for her husband's campaign.

"This is the biggest fundraiser the DNC has ever held – the fundraiser to end all fundraisers – and we've raised a record amount," Jill Biden said.

Mr. Biden, Obama and Clinton discussed a wide variety of topics, from the economy to the border to the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol, which Mr. Biden bluntly referred to as an insurrection.

"I was supposed to make a speech on the economy, and I decided I couldn't remain silent," Mr. Biden said. "So what I did was I made a speech about January the sixth, what was happening. And I said it was an insurrection underway, and it must be dealt with and I plead with the president to stop and do his job, call these people off. He sat there in the dining room off the Oval Office for several hours and watched, didn't do a damn thing. That's why I felt obliged even though I wasn't sworn in yet. I was president-elect."

The fundraiser was interrupted by demonstrators protesting against the war in Gaza multiple times, and one who appeared to be yelling something about nuclear with Russia, throughout the night. One interruption came while Obama was discussing Gaza, to which he replied "You can't just talk and not listen," leading the audience to give him a standing ovation.

"It is also possible for us to have our hearts broken watching innocent people being killed and try to manage through that in a way that ultimately leads to both people being able to live in peace side by side," Obama said. "That is not an easy thing."

"It is important for us to understand that it is possible to have moral clarity and have deeply held beliefs, but still recognize that the world is complicated and it is hard to solve these problems," the former president added.

There were also Pro-Palestinian protests outside the music hall, CBS News New York reported . The New York Police Department told CBS News one person was detained. There was no word on why.

The demonstrators were chanting and screaming their messages, directing their anger toward Mr. Biden and, at times, at police officers.

Mr. Biden reiterated his support for Israel and its right to self defense, but said there were "too many innocent victims" and that more aid needs to get into Gaza. Mr. Biden also expressed support for a two-state solution.

"It's understandable there's such a profound anger, and Hamas is still there, but we must in fact, stop the effort resulting in significant deaths of innocent civilians, particularly children," Mr. Biden said.

The campaign has billed the event as the "most successful political fundraiser in American history."

During a swing through Texas earlier this month, the Biden campaign raised a combined $7 million from three separate fundraisers. A fundraiser for Mr. Biden in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday raised $2.3 million.

Mr. Biden's largest single-day haul prior to Thursday came in the 24 hours after his State of the Union address earlier in March, when he raised $10 million, according to his campaign.

But Thursday's staggering sum is a new record for the campaign, and it further illustrates the growing cash gap between Mr. Biden and his presumptive general election opponent, former President Donald Trump.

Obama accompanied Mr. Biden on the Air Force One flight from Washington, D.C., to New York earlier Thursday.

Trump raised $20 million in the whole month of February and $8.8 million in January. He's also been dogged by legal bills and payments , with his campaign and the political action committees supporting him spending over $10 million in legal fees this year.

Mr. Biden's campaign committees have more than double the cash on hand of Trump's equivalent groups, $155 million for Mr. Biden and $74 million for Trump as of late March.

"Unlike our opponent, every dollar we're raising is going to reach the voters who will decide this election — communicating the President's historic record, his vision for the future and laying plain the stakes of this election," said Biden-Harris campaign co-chair and Hollywood mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg.

Trump's campaign sent out two fundraising emails Wednesday mentioning Mr. Biden's Thursday fundraiser, with one calling on "one million Trump supporters to donate to beat the "Obama-Clinton cartel" and the other reading, "We can't lose to Obama!"

Democratic Party

Aaron Navarro is a CBS News digital reporter covering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign and the 2024 election. He was previously an associate producer for the CBS News political unit in the 2021 and 2022 election cycles.

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Joe Biden Fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall to Feature Barack Obama, Lizzo, Cynthia Erivo, Queen Latifah and More

By Jaden Thompson

Jaden Thompson

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Joe Biden Fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall to Feature Barack Obama, Lizzo, Cynthia Erivo, Queen Latifah and More 2 days ago

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden talk with senior staff following a bilateral meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany in the Oval Office, Feb. 9, 2015. Present are; Secretary of State John Kerry; Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications; Press Secretary Josh Earnest; Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri; National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice; Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and Senior Advisor Dan Pfeiffer. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

On March 28, the Biden-Harris campaign is hosting a fundraiser at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, featuring former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton in addition to prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Described by Biden’s campaign as “historic” and the “most successful political fundraiser in American history,” the event is set to raise more than $25 million.

Mindy Kaling will host the event, which includes musical performances by Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo and Lea Michele. More than 5,000 people are anticipated to show up at the iconic venue, with donations ranging from $225 to $500,000.

The fundraiser was put together by Biden-Harris campaign co-chair Jeffrey Katzenberg, Biden-Harris campaign finance chair Rufus Gifford, Biden Victory Fund finance chair Chris Korge and Anna Wintour. Jordan Roth and Alex Timbers are the producers of the event.

Katzenberg spoke of the campaign’s fundraising efforts in a statement: “This historic raise is a show of strong enthusiasm for President Biden and Vice President Harris and a testament to the unprecedented fundraising machine we’ve built,” he said. “Unlike our opponent, every dollar we’re raising is going to reach the voters who will decide this election — communicating the president’s historic record, his vision for the future and laying plain the stakes of this election.”

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Biden to join Barack Obama, Bill Clinton at star-studded fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall

WASHINGTON ― The stars are coming out for President Joe Biden's campaign fundraiser Thursday with former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

Stephen Colbert, host of CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," will moderate an "armchair conversation" with Biden, Obama and Clinton at the high-dollar event at Radio City Music Hall in New York, according to the campaign.

Actress Mindy Kaling, who starred in the television shows "The Office" and "The Mindy Project," is set to host the program. The evening will feature musical guests Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, and Lea Michele.

The fundraiser is expected to be the most lucrative to date for Biden's reelection campaign , which has significantly outraised former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.

Fundraiser guests who pay enough can have their portrait taken with the three presidents by world-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, known for her pictures of celebrities.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Donors can also take part in a virtual conversation with the three presidents moderated by Biden campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodriguez.

The event is expected to raise at least $10 million and draw at least 3,000 people, Chris Korge, a veteran Democratic fundraiser and finance chair of the Biden Victory Fund, told NBC News . A photograph with all three presidents costs $100,000 and up, NBC reported, but the tickets to attend the program go for as little as $250 each.

Korge has organized the fundraiser alongside DreamWorks founder Jeffrey Katzenberg, the campaign's co-chair; Rufus Gifford, the campaign finance chair; and Anna Wintour, U.S. artistic director of Condé Nast.

The Biden campaign and other joint committees raised $53 million in February, giving the incumbent president $155 million on hand to spend − the most ever for a Democratic presidential candidate at this point in the election cycle.

Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter @joeygarrison.

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Milestones and events of the Queen’s long reign
The Queen’s worst year: Why 1992 was hell for royal family monarch
What was in the Queen's speech and why was it important?
Queen's Speech December 2019
Queen's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament in full
Queen’s Speech 2019: The UK’s Future in Environmental Policy, Education

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Gary Mullen 'ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN' (live @ 'The Guildhall')
Feb 1: Mary's speech at the Guildhall. #history #tudor #tudorhistory #16thcentury #maryi
Gary Mullen 'ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN' (live @ 'The Guildhall')
British Queen Elizabeth arrived in Portsmouth [2] on April 30 2009
Queen Noor Keynote Speech at Guildhall (Full Version)

COMMENTS

A speech by The Queen on the 40th Anniversary of her succession (Annus
On 24 November 1992 The Queen gave a speech at Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her Accession. In it The Queen referred to recent events as part of an 'annus horribilis'. My Lord Mayor, Could I say, first, how delighted I am that the Lady Mayoress is here today. This great hall has provided me with some of the most memorable events of ...
Queen Mary I's speech at the Guildhall, 1554
Queen Mary I's speech at the Guildhall, 1554. This account of Queen Mary I 's famous speech rallying her subjects was recorded by John Foxe in The Actes and Monuments of these latter and perillous dayes. The first year of Mary's reign witnessed a Protestant rebellion led by Sir Thomas Wyatt. The uprising was sparked by her impending ...
Speech of Mary I, 1554
This is the speech that Queen Mary I made at the Guildhall, on 1 st February 1554, as recorded in Holinshed's Chronicles. London was threatened by the rebel army of Thomas Wyatt, which had arrived at Southwark. Wyatt and his men of Kent had been remarkably successful; a force brought by the Duke of Norfolk had deserted him and joined the rebels.
Mary I Speech at Guildhall Opposing Wyatt's Rebellion
February 1, 1554 - Mary I Speech at Guildhall Opposing Wyatt's Rebellion. Published by janetwertman on February 1, 2016. Mary I by Antonis Mor (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) After assuming the throne in 1553, Mary I did what would After have been expected from any queen: she searched for a husband so that she could produce an heir.
Queen Mary I's speech at the Guildhall, 1554
Queen Mary I's speech at the Guildhall, 1554 This account of Queen Mary I's famous speech rallying her subjects was recorded by John Foxe in The Actes and Monuments of these latter and perillous dayes.
1 February 1554
On this day in 1554, Queen Mary I gave a rousing speech at the Guildhall to rally Londoners to her cause and to oppose Wyatt's rebellion. Contemporary John Proctor recorded that Mary "did wonderfullye inamour the heartes of the hearers as it was a world to heare with what shoutes they exalted the honour and magnanimitie of Quene Mary". Mary denounced Thomas Wyatt the Youngerand his rebels, but ...
'We shall be worthy of our duty': the Queen's most memorable speeches
'Annus horribilis': Queen's speech at the Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession, 24 November 1992 1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure.
February 1, 1554: Mary I's Speech at the Guildhall
Today is the anniversary of Mary I's speech at the Guildhall to rally her troops against Wyatt's Rebellion.Suggested links:Five Things You Didn't Know About ...
"Word of a Prince": Collaborative Authorship in Mary I's Guildhall Speech
These sources depict the queen as intelligent, brave, and quick witted. This is best illustrated in Mary's famous Guildhall speech, delivered at the height of the Wyatt rebellion, on February 1, 1554, in order to persuade her audience of her cause and gain her people's support. This chapter aims to analyze some under-examined sources of ...
Primary Sources: Queen Mary I's speech at the Guildhall, 1554
Primary Sources: Queen Mary I's speech at the Guildhall, 1554. This account of Mary's famous speech rallying her subjects was recorded by John Foxe in The Actes and Monuments of these latter and perillous dayes. The first year of Mary's reign witnessed a Protestant rebellion led by Sir Thomas Wyatt. The uprising was sparked by her impending ...
Tudor Minute February 1, 1554: Mary I's Speech at the Guildhall
Today is the anniversary of Mary I's speech at the Guildhall to rally her troops against Wyatt's Rebellion. Wyatt's rebels were advancing on London, and Mary wanted to get her people ready, and ensure that they weren't going to help the rebels when they arrived. ... "I am your Queen, to whom at my coronation, when I was wedded to the ...
Queen's real 'annus horribilis' speech in full
On November 25, 1992, the late Queen gave one of her most infamous speeches. In her address at Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession to the throne, she admitted the year wasn't ...
1 February
On this day in Tudor history, 1st February 1554, Queen Mary I gave a rousing speech to the citizens of London. In this video, I explain why she did it and what she said. Click here to read more about Wyatt's Rebellion.
A speech by The Queen on her Golden Jubilee
In 2002 The Queen's Golden Jubilee was marked by a summer of celebrations, with the highpoint a long weekend of festivities in early June. During a lunch at Guildhall, London, on 4 June 2002, The Queen made a speech in which she thanked the nation for their support throughout her reign. My Lord Mayor, Mr. Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Queen Elizabeth's Annus Horribilis Explained
Queen Elizabeth's "annus horribilis" of 1992 has been legendary since she described it as such during a speech at the Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession in November of ...
Why did The Queen call 1992 her annus horribilis?
Find out about Queen Elizabeth II's 'annus horribilis' speech, including what happened to royals in 1992, and the Latin phrase's meaning. ... The Queen attended an event at Guildhall and revealed ...
'The Crown': Queen Elizabeth's 'Annus Horribilis' Speech and What
"Annus Horribilis" ends with the queen's speech at Guildhall on Nov. 24 1992, marking her Ruby Jubilee, the 40th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. In her speech, the queen reflects on ...
The Queen's Jubilees and other milestones
Afterwards The Queen and members of the Royal Family attended a lunch at the Guildhall, in which The Queen made a speech. She declared, 'My Lord Mayor, when I was twenty-one I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God's help to make good that vow. Although that vow was made in my salad days, when I was green in judgement ...
Queen's speech at Guildhall on her silver jubilee · British
Duration. 00:02:18. Description. Speech by the Queen to the Lord Mayor in the Guildhall with heads of state from the Commonwealth present on her silver jubilee. Further information. The Times (08/06/77), p. 4. Contributors.
The life of Queen Elizabeth II
The Queen gives a speech at Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession. In it, she refers to recent events as part of an "annus horribilis". 9 December 1992.
Reality of Queen's 'Annus Horribilis' speech in The Crown
The speech was read by the Queen at Guildhall to celebrate 40 years of the Queen's reign on the anniversary of her Accession on November 24, 1992. However, the words read out by the late monarch ...
Mary I's speech at Guildhall
Mary I's speech at the Guildhall. 1554. The first year of Mary 's reign witnessed a Protestant rebellion led by Sir Thomas Wyatt. The uprising was sparked by her impending marriage to Felipe II of Spain. Mary gave this famous speech at the Guildhall appealing for her subjects' loyalty and support. Recorded by John Foxe in the The Actes and ...
With the royal family rocked by cancer diagnoses, Queen Camilla is
The late Queen Elizabeth II could have had no idea quite how central Queen Camilla would become barely a year into the reign of Charles III — not just to her son, but to the United Kingdom.
King Charles will attend church but skip Easter lunch in 'gentle steps
The King will go to church on Easter Sunday but will not host lunch afterwards as part of a tweaked schedule to allow him to greet the public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis. The ...
Biden's New York City fundraiser to bring in over $25 million
President Biden is expected to raise over $25 million at a star-studded fundraiser in New York City on Thursday with former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. The campaign has ...
Joe Biden Fundraiser: Barack Obama, Lizzo, Queen Latifah and More
Joe Biden Fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall to Feature Barack Obama, Lizzo, Cynthia Erivo, Queen Latifah and More. On March 28, the Biden-Harris campaign is hosting a fundraiser at New York City ...
A speech by The Queen on her Golden Wedding Anniversary
On 20 November 1997 The Queen and Prince Philip celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary, attending a lunch at Banqueting House in London. The Queen made a speech in which she looked back on 'a remarkable fifty years'. Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen. When Prince Philip and I were married on this day fifty years ago, Britain had just ...
Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton to headline NYC fundraiser
Lizzo and Queen Latifah are among the musical guests. Stephen Colbert will moderate an "armchair conversation" with Biden, Obama and Clinton. Best views, weather, etc.
Queen arrives at Royal Maundy service
The King will miss the annual event due to his cancer diagnosis. The Queen has arrived for the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral, where she will distribute Maundy money on behalf of the ...
Roy Wales, irrepressible conductor who founded and developed choirs
Roy Wales, who has died aged 83, was a dynamic and entrepreneurial conductor with a remarkable ability to turn any group of amateur singers into a choir of real virtuosity; he took choirs on ...