Elizabeth II

Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of family disagreements.

The upward course of a nation’s history is due in the long run to the soundness of heart of its average men and women.

These wretched babies don’t come until they are ready.

It is easy enough to define what the Commonwealth is not. Indeed this is quite a popular pastime.

We lost the American colonies because we lacked the statesmanship to know the right time and the manner of yielding what is impossible to keep.

I have to be seen to be believed.

I myself prefer my New Zealand eggs for breakfast.

They are not royal. They just happen to have me as their aunt.

To what greater inspiration and counsel can we turn than to the imperishable truth to be found in this treasure house, the Bible?

It’s all to do with the training: you can do a lot if you’re properly trained.

I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.

I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else – I can give my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations.