11 of the Most Pivotal Moments from the 70-year Reign of Queen Elizabeth

Throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the world has seen momentous change. From the recovery after the Second World War into the swinging ‘60s, through economic struggles of the ‘70s and the hedonism of the ‘80s, up to the digital age we now live in, she has been a constant figure, an icon that people admire all over the world. Her style and poise inspire others and millions flock to visit her official residences, hoping to catch a glimpse of the gracious lady.

This was the first coronation ever to be televised, letting a global audience enjoy all the pomp and circumstance of the occasion. Over 20 million viewers in the U.K. tuned in, leaving the nation almost at standstill. The Coronation Dress was embroidered with the emblems of the United Kingdom and designed by British fashion designer, Norman Hartnell.

See all the sights of London on Insight Vacations’ Best of Britain tour

Follow in the Queen’s footsteps on the Best of Germany tour.

It’s often been reported how much the Queen loves Australia, and it certainly became clear that the feeling was mutual on this exciting occasion. She has visited the country 16 times during her reign.

Go Down Under on Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Australia tour.

As part of the festivities the Queen visited Canada, Australia, New Zealand and took an extensive tour of 36 counties in the United Kingdom, meeting citizens of the Commonwealth where she is head of state.

The event also led to the naming of the Jubilee Underground line in London, which is silver, and the Silver Jubilee bridge across the Mersey between Runcorn and Widness was renamed.

Ride the Silver Jubilee line when you visit London on the Elegance of Great Britain tour.

Although it was the year of the Ruby Jubilee for the Queen, she acknowledged in her speech that it had been an “annus horribilis”, words she credited to one of her “sympathetic” royal correspondents.

Then she made a rare televised address to the public, where she won many hearts by crediting Diana‘s warmth, her commitment to others and her devotion as a mother.

Visitors of the Country Roads of Scotland tour will pass near the Balmoral Estate.

Along with Prince Philip, she took a 12-day tour of Canada in October of that year, starting in Nunavut, where the children sang “God Save the Queen” in English, French and Inuktitut.

Explore the Commonwealth country on the Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes tour.

In a speech made at Dublin Castle, the Queen began by speaking in Irish, surprising many present, and shared her sympathy for those affected by the conflicts in the checkered history between the countries. This marked a new period of harmony between Ireland and the U.K.

See Dublin on the Country Roads of Ireland tour.

She even kept the skit a secret from her family before it aired.