God save the Queen

A few weeks ago, I was finishing work for Project Impact and checked my phone. I then saw the news: Queen Elizabeth II had died at the age of 96. The woman who had dedicated her life to service to the United Kingdom for over 70 years had just passed away. Now, 70 years is a very long time. For some perspective, she likely took the throne before your grandparents were born, or at least when they were children. When I saw the news, I immediately called my grandmother to tell her. My grandmother is 77 years old, meaning she was only 6, about to turn 7, when the Queen ascended the throne. My grandfather is 70 years old and hadn't even been born yet. Due to her long life and reign, she had a massive cultural impact on media, literature, and more. Here is a look into some of her appearances in pop culture:

“Minions” (2015)

The main plot device in the first installment of this spinoff franchise was that the antagonist, Scarlet Overkill, wanted to steal the royal crown of the Queen. In this movie, the Queen is depicted in her early forties, as the film was set in 1968. The queen is usurped from her throne by Bob after he pulls the Excalibur sword from the stone. After Overkill is defeated, the Queen is restored to the throne and rewards Bob, Stuart, and Kevin for their efforts.

“Doctor Who” (1963-1989)

The serial “Silver Nemesis,” released in 1988, heavily revolved around the Queen. The name of the serial is a reference to her Silver Jubilee or 25 years on the throne. She makes a brief appearance when the Doctor and Ace sneak into Windsor Castle and find the Queen walking her Corgis, which she was known for having several of throughout her life. They try approaching the queen for help but are seized by the royal guard before they can get anywhere near her.

“Paddington” Sketch (2022)

Just a few months before her passing, in commemoration of her Platinum Jubilee, or 70 years on the throne, the Queen made a small video where she was having tea with the famous bear, Paddington. After Paddington accidentally drank all the tea, they shared marmalade sandwiches before the clip ended with Paddington congratulating the Queen on 70 years on the throne.

The late Queen was a massive icon to our generation and even a few generations before. She lived from one 20s decade to the next and definitely made her mark on the world. She is not likely to be forgotten anytime soon. Her memory will live on for generations to come.

By: Evan Majors