queen's speech cape town 1947

Princess Elizabeth's 21st Birthday Speech

On her twenty-first birthday, 21 April 1947, Princess Elizabeth was with her parents and younger sister on a tour of South Africa. In a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, the Princess dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth.

On my twenty-first birthday I welcome the opportunity to speak to all the peoples of the British Commonwealth and Empire, wherever they live, whatever race they come from, and whatever language they speak.

Let me begin by saying 'thank you' to all the thousands of kind people who have sent me messages of good will. This is a happy day for me; but it is also one that brings serious thoughts, thoughts of life looming ahead with all its challenges and with all its opportunity.

At such a time it is a great help to know that there are multitudes of friends all round the world who are thinking of me and who wish me well. I am grateful and I am deeply moved.

As I speak to you today from Cape Town I am six thousand miles from the country where I was born. But I am certainly not six thousand miles from home. Everywhere I have travelled in these lovely lands of South Africa and Rhodesia my parents, my sister and I have been taken to the heart of their people and made to feel that we are just as much at home here as if we had lived among them all our lives.

That is the great privilege belonging to our place in the world-wide commonwealth - that there are homes ready to welcome us in every continent of the earth. Before I am much older I hope I shall come to know many of them.

Although there is none of my father's subjects from the oldest to the youngest whom I do not wish to greet, I am thinking especially today of all the young men and women who were born about the same time as myself and have grown up like me in terrible and glorious years of the second world war.

Will you, the youth of the British family of nations, let me speak on my birthday as your representative? Now that we are coming to manhood and womanhood it is surely a great joy to us all to think that we shall be able to take some of the burden off the shoulders of our elders who have fought and worked and suffered to protect our childhood.

We must not be daunted by the anxieties and hardships that the war has left behind for every nation of our commonwealth. We know that these things are the price we cheerfully undertook to pay for the high honour of standing alone, seven years ago, in defence of the liberty of the world. Let us say with Rupert Brooke: "Now God be thanked who has matched us with this hour".

I am sure that you will see our difficulties, in the light that I see them, as the great opportunity for you and me. Most of you have read in the history books the proud saying of William Pitt that England had saved herself by her exertions and would save Europe by her example. But in our time we may say that the British Empire has saved the world first, and has now to save itself after the battle is won.

I think that is an even finer thing than was done in the days of Pitt; and it is for us, who have grown up in these years of danger and glory, to see that it is accomplished in the long years of peace that we all hope stretch ahead.

If we all go forward together with an unwavering faith, a high courage, and a quiet heart, we shall be able to make of this ancient commonwealth, which we all love so dearly, an even grander thing - more free, more prosperous, more happy and a more powerful influence for good in the world - than it has been in the greatest days of our forefathers.

To accomplish that we must give nothing less than the whole of ourselves. There is a motto which has been borne by many of my ancestors - a noble motto, "I serve". Those words were an inspiration to many bygone heirs to the Throne when they made their knightly dedication as they came to manhood. I cannot do quite as they did.

But through the inventions of science I can do what was not possible for any of them. I can make my solemn act of dedication with a whole Empire listening. I should like to make that dedication now. It is very simple.

I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.

But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone unless you join in it with me, as I now invite you to do: I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.

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April 21, 1947 – Princess Elizabeth’s Incredibly Powerful 21st Birthday Message Transcript

Speaking from South Africa on the occasion of her 21st birthday in 1947, Princess Elizabeth dedicates herself to the service of the Empire and calls upon its young people to support her in the endeavor. Read the transcript here.

Transcribe Your Own Content Try Rev and save time transcribing, captioning, and subtitling.

Speaker 1: ( 00:00 ) Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth speaking from South Africa on her 21st birthday marks the occasion with this simple, but historic message.

Princess Elizabeth: ( 00:08 ) Let me begin by saying thank you to all the thousands of kind people who have sent me messages of goodwill. This is a happy day for me, but it is also one that brings serious thoughts, thoughts of life looming ahead with all its challenges and with all its opportunity. Will you, the youth of the British family of nations, let me speak on my birthday as your representative? Now that we are coming to manhood and womanhood, it is surely a great joy to us all, to think that we should be able to take some of the burden off the shoulders of our elders who have fought and worked and suffered to protect our childhood. If we all go forward together with an unwavering faith, a high courage and a quiet heart, we shall be able to make of this ancient commonwealth, which we all love so dearly an even grander thing, more free, more prosperous, more happy, and a more powerful influence for good in the world then it has been in the greatest days of our forefathers.

Princess Elizabeth: ( 01:27 ) To accomplish that, we must give nothing less from the whole of ourselves. There is a motto which has been born by many of my ancestors, a noble motto I serve. Those words were an inspiration to many bygone airs to the throne when they made their nightly dedication as they came to manhood. I cannot quite do as they did. But through the inventions of science, I can do what was not possible for any of them. I can make my active dedication with a whole empire listening. I should like to make that dedication now, it is very simple. I declare before you all with my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great imperial family, to which we all belong. But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone, unless you join in it with me, as I now invite you to do. I know that your support will be unfairly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.

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The Crown: Princess Elizabeth’s 21st Birthday Speech (1947) | British Pathé – Cape Town Video

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(FILM ID:2150.01) Cape Town, South Africa. Note – date in the old record 22/04/1947.

(F.G. Comb. Print) (Re-recorded Sound Track in UN 1667 Tin 2.)

I welcome the opportunity to speak to all the people of the British Commonwealth of Nations wherever they live, whatever race they come from, and whatever language they speak. Let me begin by thanking all the thousands of kind people who have sent me messages of good will. This is a happy day to me, but it is also one that brings serious thought, thoughts of life looming ahead, with all its challenges, and with all its opportunity. At such a time, it is a great help to know that there are multitudes of friends all round the world who are thinking of me and who wish me well. I am grateful and I am deeply moved. As I speak today from Cape Town, I am 6,000 miles from the country where I was born, but I am certainly not 6,000 miles from home. Everywhere I have travelled in these lovely lands of South Africa and Rhodesia, my parents, my sister and I, have been taken to the hearts of their people and made to feel that we are just as much at home here as if we have lived with them all our lives. That is a great privilege belonging to our place in the world wide Commonwealth, that there are homes ready to welcome us in every continent of the earth. Before I am much older I hope I shall come to know many of them. Although there is none of my father’s subjects from the oldest to the youngest whom I do not wish to greet, I am thinking especially today of all the young men and women who were born about the same time as myself, and have grown up like me in terrible and glorious years of the Second World War. Will you, the youth of the British family of nations, let me speak on my birthday as your representative. Now that we are coming to manhood and womanhood it is surely a great joy to us to think that we shall be able to take some of the burdens off the shoulders of our elders who have fought and worked and suffered to protect our childhood. We must not be daunted by the anxieties and hardships that the war has left behind in every nation of our Commonwealth. We know that these things are the price that we cheerfully undertook to pay for the high honour of standing alone seven years ago, in defence of the liberty of the world. Let us say with Rupert Brook: “Now God be thanked who has matched us with his hour”. I am sure that you will see our difficulties in the light that I see them, as the great opportunity for you and me. Most of you have read in the history book the proud saying of William Pitt, that England has saved herself by her exertions and would save Europe by her example, but in our time we may say that the British Empire has saved the world fist and has now to save itself after the battle is won. I think that is even a fine thing than was done in the days of Pitt, and it is for us who have grown up in these years of danger and glory to see that it is accomplished in the long years of peace that we all hope, stretch ahead. If we all go forward together with an unwavering faith, a high courage and a quiet heart, we shall be able to make of this old Commonwealth, that we all love so dearly, an even grander thing, more free, more prosperous, more happy and a more powerful influence and good in the world, than it has been in the greatest days of our forefathers. To accomplish that, we must give nothing less than the whole of ourselves, that is the motto which has been born by many of my ancestors, a noble motto, “I Serve”. Those words were an inspiration to many bygone heirs to the throne when they made their knightly dedication when they came to manhood. I cannot quite do as they did but through the invention of science, I can do what was not possible by any of them. I can make my solemn act of dedication with the whole Empire with me, I should like to make that dedication now, it is very simple: I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong, but I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone, unless you join in it with me, which I now invite you to do. I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share with me.”

Repetition from “through the invention to science…unfailingly given.” Source

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From the archives: How Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 21st birthday morning in Cape Town in 1947

Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret and Miss Ena van Coller at the Fernwood Party. Dated: 21/02/1947

Published Sep 17, 2022

A look from the Cape Argus archives: Ahead of the State Funeral Service of Queen Elizabeth II, which is expected to be one of the biggest gatherings of royalty and politicians hosted in the UK for decades, the Cape Argus retrieved articles from the archives detailing the visit of the royal family back in 1947.

The article below was published on the front page of the Cape Argus, dated Cape Town, Monday, April 21, 1947.

(Note: The author of the original article is only referred to as “The Argus Special Correspondent” on the article.)

Princess Elizabeth Celebrates Her Majority

FLOWERS, PRESENTS AND SHOWER OF MESSAGES

The Argus Special Correspondent

PRINCESS ELIZABETH spent a great part of this, her 21st birthday morning, opening and reading the hundreds of congratulatory cables and telegrams which descended upon Government House from all parts of the world.

From princes and statesmen they came, and from less exalted people, down to the station masters of the humblest of the hundred and one little towns visited by the Royal Family on their great and just completed African tour.

Between while, the Princess left her study to marvel at the wealth and variety of Cape flowers which rapidly transformed most of the public and private rooms at Government House into fairylands of sweet-smelling colour.

The personal gifts from the King, the Queen and Princess Margaret were presented to Princess Elizabeth in the Queen’s room before breakfast. The nature of these gifts is, by custom, not made public.

It can be revealed, however, that the Royal Household, which term embraces all those who work for the King and Queen together with the staff of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duchess of Kent and the Princess Royal – in fact, all those who serve members of the Royal Family at all the royal residents, down to the under-valets and the gillies at Balmoral - combined to give the Heiress Presumptive a birthday present.

This took the shape of a magnificent diamond brooch, which was handed to the Princess to-day by the two senior members of the household - the Right Hon. Sir Alan Lascelles KCB KCVO CMG, private secretary to the King, and the Lady Harlech, one of the ladies-in-waiting to the Queen.

GRENADIER GUARDS

Another gift was a diamond brooch in the shape of the Grenadier Guards badge - a grenade from the regiment of which Princess Elizabeth is honorary colonel.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps of London gave her a pair of diamond earrings.

The Union Government’s gifts of 21 perfectly-matched diamonds for a birthday necklace will be made by the Prime Minister, General Smuts, at tonight’s ball at the Government House.

MR CHURCHILL

Interviewed by a representative of The Argus to-day: Captain Lewis Ritchie, the King’s Press secretary. Said that “everybody in the world” dispatched cables and telegrams of congratulations to the Princess.

He mentioned the names among others, of Mr Winston Churchill and of the Viceroy of India, the Governors-General of Australia and Canada, the Governor of Northern Ireland, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and the Lord Mayors of all the principal cities in the United Kingdom.

A great flood of telegrams came from all parts of the Union, and the Rhodesias and they included messages from the mayors and station-staffs of practically all the towns and villages visited on the recent tour, from ex-servicemen’s organisations, post offices and the masters of the merchant ships now in Union ports.

“VOLKSPELERS”

Among the telegrams, the Princess was particularly pleased to receive was one from the “Volkspelers,” Standerton. She remembered them giving a spirited rendering of a Voortrekker dance which delighted both Princesses at the time.

Other messages of congratulations came from the Aga Khan, the commander-in-chief, South Atlantic Station, his “opposite numbers” in the East and West Indies and on the North American and China stations, General T Holcomb, the United States Minister in this country, and scores of others.

One gift which gave Princess Elizabeth special pleasure was a floral representation of the Grenadier Guards’ grenade badge. It was present to her on behalf of the press and publicity correspondents who travelled round with the royal party.

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The Rhodesian Study Circle is a philatelic website for the areas of Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, British Central Africa and Nyasaland, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

1947 – Princess Elizabeth’s 21st Birthday

Princess elizabeth’s 21st birthday.

On 21st April 1947, Princess Elizabeth celebrated her 21st birthday while on tour with her parents and younger sister in South Africa. In a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, the Princess dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth.

The speech was written by Dermot Morrah, a 50yr old journalist. Sent by the Times to report on it, the King and his heir presumptive realised that something ought to be done about her 21st birthday. She would make a broadcast speech to the Commonwealth and Dermot was tasked to write it. The speech contained one of the most quoted passages of the Queen:

I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.

Originally the draft letter was considered lost until it turned up in a bar.

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In 1947, the Queen pledged to the Commonwealth from Cape Town

In 1947, on her 21st birthday, Queen Elizabeth pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long to the service of the people.

Also read: Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96

That happened to be more than a promise as it became a profound personal commitment that has defined her whole life and seen her make sacrifices for duty.

Queen Elizabeth’s dedication and devotion as a sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.

In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress which has made us great as Nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign.

And for that she has always combined those qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability to always see the best in people.

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The Queen has died – now what?

Picture: Cape {town}Etc Gallery

Article written by Lucille Dyosi

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The Queen's most memorable speeches

As the Queen prepares to celebrate her ninetieth birthday, we take a look back at some of the most memorable speeches she has made throughout her record 63 year reign, as documented in Ingrid Seward's new book, The Queen's Speech ...

The Queen's first Christmas broadcast, 1952

"Each Christmas, at this time, my beloved father broadcast a message to his people in all parts of the world. Today I am doing this to you, who are now my people."

21st birthday speech, Cape Town, 21 April 1947

"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."

Talking about the importance of her children's privacy in her Christmas broadcast, 1958

"We would like our son and daughter to grow up as normally as possible so that they will be able to serve you and the Commonwealth faithfully and well when they are old enough to do so. We believe the public life is not a fair burden to place on growing children."

Reaffirming her commitment as Queen during her Christmas broadcast, 1991

"Next February will see the fortieth anniversary of my father's death and of my Accession. Over the years I have tried to follow my father's example and serve you as best I can. You have given me, in return, your loyalty and your understanding, and for that I give you my heartfelt thanks.

"I feel the same obligation to you that I felt in 1952. With your prayers, and your help, and with the love and support of my family, I shall try to serve you in the years to come."

Addressing her "Annus Horribilis" at Guildhall, 24 November 1992

"1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an 'Annus Horribilis'."

Talking about challenging times during her Christmas speech in 1996

"In difficult times, it is tempting for all of us, especially those who suffer, to look back and say 'if only'. But to look back in that way is to look down a blind alley. Better to look forward and say 'if only'."

Paying tribute to Princess Diana on the eve of her funeral, 5 September 1997

"She was an exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness. I admired and respected her – for her energy and commitment to others, and especially for her devotion to her two boys…

"I for one believe there are lessons to be drawn from her life and from the extraordinary and moving reaction to her death. I share in your determination to cherish her memory… I hope that tomorrow we can all, wherever we are, join in expressing our grief at Diana's loss, and gratitude for her all-too-short life. It is a chance to show to the whole world the British nation united in grief and respect."

Celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary with Prince Philip at Whitehall, November 1997

"He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater that he would ever claim or we shall ever know."

Sharing her mother's wisdom and advice during the Christmas speech in 1998:

"My mother has much to say to me. Indeed her vigour and enjoyment of life is a great example of how to close the so-called generation gap. She has an extraordinary capacity to bring happiness into her other people's lives. And her own vitality and warmth is returned by those whom she meets."

Reflecting on her mother's death on the eve of her funeral, April 2002:

"Over the years I have met many people who have had to cope with family loss, sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances. So I count myself fortunate that my mother was blessed with a long and happy life. She had an infectious zest for living, and this remained with her until the very end."

The Queen's 80th birthday speech at Mansion House, 15 June 2006

"As one gets older, birthdays seem to come round quicker; they are therefore less obvious excuses for wider celebration than personal moments to count one's blessings. As Groucho Marx once said: 'Anyone can get old – all you have to do is live long enough.'"

Commonwealth Day message, March 2015

"Ladies and gentlemen, I feel enormously proud of what the Commonwealth has achieved and all of it within my lifetime. For more than six decades of being Head of the Commonwealth, a responsibility I have cherished, I have had the fortune and constancy of the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip has brought boundless energy and commitment, for which I am indebted."

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King Charles Views Queen Elizabeth's Famous 21st Birthday Speech During South Africa State Visit

Delivered from South Africa, then-Princess Elizabeth said, "My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service"

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

Queen Elizabeth II was top of mind during the first state visit of King Charles III 's reign.

After giving South African President Cyril Ramaphosa a formal welcome to the U.K. followed by a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a private lunch. The royal couple then led President Ramaphosa around the Picture Gallery to view items from the Royal Collection relating to South Africa.

Among the items displayed was the text of a speech given by then-Princess Elizabeth on her 21st birthday along with a black and white photo. In a special radio broadcast from Cape Town, the royal pledged her life to her duties.

"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong," the future monarch famously said. "But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone unless you join in it with me, as I now invite you to do: I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it."

Elizabeth also said in the speech, "As I speak to you today from Cape Town, I am 6,000 miles from the country where I was born. But I am certainly not 6,000 from home. Everywhere I have traveled in these lovely lands of South Africa and Rhodesia, my parents, my sister and I have been taken to the heart of their people and made to feel that we are just as much at home here as if we had lived among them all our lives."

For more on the Royals, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

Displayed were photos of Queen Elizabeth with Nelson Mandela, who was South Africa's president from 1994 to 1999.

There was also a map showing the route of the Royal Train during the 1947 royal tour of South Africa undertaken by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth , Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret — the first visit to South Africa by a reigning British monarch.

Kate Middleton and Prince William were present for the event, walking around the Picture Gallery with South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

Other members of the royal family who were present at the palace included Prince Edward, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester.

Although President Ramaphosa's trip marks the first state visit of King Charles' reign, much of the organization is believed to have taken place before the late Queen Elizabeth died in September. As COVID curtailed visits and international travel, this is the first state visit hosted by the British royal family since 2019.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE 's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton , Meghan Markle and more!

On Tuesday evening, a centerpiece of the two-day state visit will take place when a glittering state banquet will be hosted at Buckingham Palace, complete with tiaras and ballgowns. Buckingham Palace gave a glimpse at the preparations for the elaborate banquet via social media, sharing a video from the kitchens, where staff were busy preparing the food.

As a special touch, they're also creating decorations in the shape of the national flower of South Africa, the Protea.

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