Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, at age two in 1928.
As Queen Elizabeth II quietly celebrates her 96th birthday, a new photograph capturing her majesty holding the reins of two majestic horses has been released to mark the occasion. This serene image, however, belies the long and bumpy ride the Queen has faced in trying to unite her somewhat divided family.
Prince Harry, in a recent interview with Hoda Kotb on the TODAY show, expressed hope but offered no guarantees about his family’s attendance at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. When asked directly if he would be present for this historic event, marking the Queen’s 70th year on the throne, Harry responded with uncertainty, citing “security issues and everything else.”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Hoda Kotb during an interview on April 20, 2022, in The Hague, Netherlands.
He emphasized his desire for his children, Archie and Lilibet, to meet their great-grandmother, stating, “This is what I’m trying to do, trying to make it possible that, you know, I can get my kids to meet her.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s potential return to the UK for the Jubilee has been a topic of much speculation. Reports suggest that the couple, who officially stepped down from their royal duties and relocated to the United States in 2020, have been invited to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the Queen.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks with Hoda Kotb during an interview on April 20, 2022, in The Hague, Netherlands.
Addressing concerns about the Queen’s health following a series of recent setbacks, including a bout with COVID-19, Harry reassured viewers. “Being with her, it was great. It was just so nice to see her. She’s on great form,” he shared. He fondly described her “great sense of humor” and his personal mission to ensure she is “protected and got the right people around her.”
However, the Duke notably sidestepped questions about his relationship with his father, Prince Charles, and brother, Prince William. When asked if he missed them, Harry simply responded, “For me, at the moment, I’m here focused on these guys and these families and giving everything I can.”
Queen Elizabeth II pats a horse during a photo opportunity at Windsor Castle on March 16, 2022. The photo was released for the Queen's 96th birthday on April 21, 2022.
These comments, coupled with Harry’s declaration that the U.S. is currently “home,” have ignited a firestorm of reactions from the British tabloids. Some publications interpret his words as a deliberate snub to the Royal Family, further fueling existing tensions.
The Queen’s recent health challenges have necessitated a shift in royal responsibilities. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have increasingly stepped in to fulfill engagements, including the traditional Easter service.
As the Platinum Jubilee approaches, the world waits to see if these familial rifts can be mended. The Queen’s birthday photograph, featuring a youthful, blonde-haired Princess Elizabeth at age two, serves as a poignant reminder of her lifelong dedication to duty.
The accompanying tweet from the Royal Family highlights the unprecedented nature of this year’s milestone: “In 1928, it was never expected she would be Queen, and this year Her Majesty is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee – a first in British history.”
The circumstances that led to her reign were indeed extraordinary, and the world will be watching closely to see if the Queen’s family can come together to celebrate this historic occasion.
