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In the wake of her recent passing, millions of people around the world mourn the departure of the beloved monarch Queen Elizabeth II, who served as inspiration to many through her long standing history of charitable acts of service. She is recalled in particular for her personal fondness of animals, which dictated her passionate generosity to animals over the years.
Charitable spirit
As a dedicated supporter of charitable groups, Queen Elizabeth II made a dramatic impact in improving the lives of the vulnerable and downtrodden. She inspired a culture of philanthropic giving in the U.K. and passed down this commitment to her descendants in the royal family who have continued her legacy of giving.
“We sometimes think the world’s problems are so big that we can do little to help. On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine,” the Big issue reported the Queen’s words in her Christmas message in 2016.
According to Barron’s the queen was patron or president of over 600 charities. “During 70 years of remarkable service, the queen demonstrated an unstinting passion for charities and ensured her patronage of hundreds of good causes was integral to her public duties. Her Majesty provided inspiring support and encouragement to staff, volunteers and trustees throughout the charity sector. Her generosity, kindness and constancy are irreplaceable.” Neil Heslop, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said.
Lover of animals
TODAY reports that from a young age the Queen was known for her closeness towards and affection for animals. Her love for animals showcased Elizabeth’s softer, more human side, sometimes in stark contrast to her official role as Britain’s sovereign ruler. Since her father, King George VI, brought home a corgi when she was a young girl, she was always surrounded by dogs of this breed and often referred to her beloved dogs as family.
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In addition, the Queen had great affection for horses. She was an avid rider, was actively interested in the sporting events of race and show horses and was often photographed reaching out to touch any horse that was within her range.
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Kindness over cruelty
The Queen had a long history of being outspoken against animal cruelty. News 18 reports that although when she rose to power wearing fur was socially acceptable, in her later years the Queen made the bold decision to choose kindness over cruelty when she banished fur from her wardrobe.
“I had no idea then that her heart would open to fur-bearing animals, too. But it did, and some years ago the late Queen banned fur from the royal wardrobe. Princess Diana had always rejected fur, and other royals have followed suit, honoring the Queen’s legacy,” Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), told News 18.
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As the outpouring of support from mourners around the world continues to flow in, it is clear that the Queen will always be remembered for her legacy of kindness and generosity of spirit to all that surrounded her.
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