Queen Elizabeth II: ‘Super fan’ radio host Ben Fordham pays tribute to late monarch

The world is home to almost eight billion people. And it’s hard to think of any who lived a life like Queen Elizabeth II.

She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. And today – her 70 years of service have come to an end. Her Majesty has sadly passed away at the age of 96.

What a life.

She was first seen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as a baby in 1927.

At the age of 2 – she made an impression on UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He said ‘she has an air of authority and reflectiveness that is astonishing in an infant.’

That was a sign of what was to come.

‘Whenever we talked about her health on radio, we’d always play God Save The Queen’, said Mr Fordham, pictured with wife Jodie 

Yes, she was born into privilege. But she’s someone with a remarkable sense of responsibility.

When Britain was under attack during World War II – thousands of children were sent to the countryside to escape the German raids.

Princess Elizabeth broadcast a message to them via BBC radio.  She was only 14 years old.

‘When peace comes – remember – it will be for us – the children of today.’

‘I sent her a letter when she marked her Platinum Jubilee and received a lovely note back,’ Mr Fordham told Daily Mail Australia. Pictured is the note the radio host received from the Queen

The envelope, bearing the Queen’s mark, which carried the note sent to Mr Fordham

Elizabeth was not expected to be Queen. But her uncle – King Edward – left the Royal Family because he wanted to remarry. Her father- King George VI – then died suddenly in 1952.

Elizabeth was next in line to the Throne.

She became Queen Elizabeth at the age of 25.

That day she said: ‘My whole life – whether it will be long or short – will be devoted to your service.’

And since becoming Queen she’s kept that promise.

She’s visited more than 100 countries. Attended more than 21,000 formal engagements. She was the patron of 500 charities and organisations. 

Her face has been on the currencies of 33 countries. She has sent over 300,000 cards – celebrating 100th birthdays.

And she’s been a survivor and solid as a rock.

Queen Elizabeth has survived 14 US Presidents and 15 British Prime Ministers. She consulted with 16 Australian Prime Ministers. She has been to our country 16 times.

Then Princess Elizabeth (right) is pictured with her sister Princess Margaret sending a message on radio to children being evacuated during World War II. Mr Fordam said of the late Queen: ‘She’s one of the most extraordinary human beings to ever walk planet earth’

She’s seen a World War and the Great Depression. She’s outlived plagues and pandemics.

Her Majesty has dealt with all manner of scandals and setbacks.

She’s done so with a stiff upper lip.

She lost the love of life last year – Prince Phillip – after 73 years of marriage.

With Covid circulating in the community, she sat alone at the funeral.

She’s had four children, eight grand-children and 12 great grandchildren.

A fine woman.

A leader with class and courage.

And a wicked sense of humour. 

Thank her for service.