As one of the proud sponsors of ‘Her Majesty The Queen: The Official Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album’, we were proud and delighted to be involved in marking her 70 wonderful years on the throne. Queen Elizabeth was the longest reigning monarch in British history and, as a truly British company, we were thrilled to sponsor the commemorative album. Hosting over 250 photographs, the album details her long and inspiring life.
Who are we?
TTS are a leading supplier to the educational sector in the UK and overseas. We are passionate about providing teaching resources and products to enhance children’s learning across the globe. In 2021, TTS received The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in 2012. This is the highest official UK award for British businesses and organisations who excel in international trade, innovation and sustainable development.
Queen Elizabeth ll
When Queen Elizabeth was born in 1926, she wasn’t destined to ascend to the throne. This only became a reality when her uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936 and her father became George VI. After he died in 1952, she was crowned in Westminster Abbey and became the longest reigning monarch in British history. Her Platinum Jubilee was celebrated with a host of events that culminated in a four-day bank holiday weekend between the 2nd and 5th of June 2022. It was on this weekend that the commemorative album was officially launched.
In line with the Jubilee and as an accolade to her inspiring life, we share insight into her history and achievements.
Here is a brief history of Queen Elizabeth’s life:
Her early life
Queen Elizabeth was born in London as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York and was joined by her sister Princess Margaret in 1930. She was educated at home by governesses who taught her French (which has proved very useful when she is speaking to heads of state from French-speaking countries). She also studied art and music and, once her father succeeded to the throne, she started to study constitutional history and law in preparation for her future role. At eleven she became a Girl Guide and later a Sea Ranger.
The War Years
During the second world war both the Princesses moved to Windsor Castle for safety. Whilst there, Princess Elizabeth was photographed tending her allotments as part of the government’s “Dig for Victory” campaign. At 18, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) and trained as a mechanic, taking a driving and vehicle maintenance course at Aldershot. Even in her 90s she is often pictured behind the wheel and has been known to diagnose and repair faulty engines.
Marriage and Motherhood
Princess Elizabeth married Prince Philip of Greece in 1947. At the time he was a serving naval officer. He was posted to Malta in 1949 where they enjoyed two relatively carefree years before having to return to the UK to support the King as his health began to fail.
They had four children and Queen Elizabeth now has eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Queen Elizabeth’s 70 year reign
During her unprecedented 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth was an exemplary Head of State and became a much loved and respected figure across the globe. She was a steadfast presence through both good times and bad.
She was hugely supportive of The Commonwealth and the armed forces and was the patron of over 600 charities and organisations, many of which she inherited from her father. These included a wide range of issues from opportunities for young people to the protection and preservation of the environment and wildlife – plus professional bodies and public service organisations. Her patronage helped to recognise their achievements and the contributions they make to public life in the UK and across The Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth is the most travelled monarch of all time, visiting over 117 countries during her reign. Her final overseas visit was made in 2015 when she and Prince Philip visited Malta for a three-day trip. She often described the island as “her other home”.
Her interests
Queen Elizabeth was well known for her love of horses and dogs, especially Corgis. She was an owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and regularly attended race meetings to watch her horses run. She remained an enthusiastic rider and frequently attended equestrian events nearly all of her life. She was given her first corgi Susan on her eighteenth birthday and owned and bred numerous successive dogs ever since.
She was also interested in Scottish country dancing and often gave dances known as Gillies’ Balls during her stays at Balmoral Castle.
From all that Queen Elizabeth has achieved and been an advocate of, the Platinum Jubilee was a cause for celebration across the country, the Commonwealth and the world.
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
