The Education of a Queen: A Look at Queen Elizabeth’s Academic Journey
Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, and a close look at her academic journey reveals not only her success but also a sharp contrast with the modern-day view of education. Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, and she was expected to lead a life of royalty from the outset.
Educational Background
Queen Elizabeth’s early education began at her home in Piccadilly as a toddler. She was then enrolled in a kindergarten class at Buckingham Palace. She also took piano lessons from age five from public schoolteachers instead of tutors at home like her predecessors. Her curriculum consisted of over seven subjects, which included history, geography, arithmetic, French, Scripture, and music.
She was then enrolled at a boarding school in Sussex at the age of 13, where she studied mathematics and languages. She also participated in athletics, including swimming, hockey, and gymnastics.
Higher Education
At the age of 16, the Queen was bestowed the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards, and she also started studying constitutional history, law, and statecraft. This curriculum was designed to prepare her for the eventual role as Queen. After completing her studies, she went to France to perfect her French as part of her studies.
In 1945, Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, awarded her a degree from the University of London. After her father’s death and her accession to the throne in 1952, she ceased to pursue formal higher education.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth’s education prepared her for the responsibilities she has undertaken over her long reign. She was educated not just in academic subjects, but also in diverse subjects like music, athletics, and foreign language. In contrast to contemporary views of education that emphasize a narrow range of academic subjects, Queen Elizabeth’s education was multifaceted and comprehensive.
In conclusion, looking at Queen Elizabeth II’s academic journey highlights the importance of a well-rounded education. Although some subjects may seem less important, a broad breadth of knowledge is integral to understanding the world and functioning effectively as a leader. Queen Elizabeth’s education has served as a model for many in the years since and remains an inspiration to this day.
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