The Controversy of the Queen’s Death

The recent death of Queen Elizabeth II has prompted an outpour of grief and tributes around the world, with many people feeling her loss as a close and personal one. However, her death has also brought back longstanding criticisms of her legacy as a leading monarch in the British Empire’s violent exploitation, colonisation and economic deprivation of many countries throughout history.

Right from the start, Queen Elizabeth’s reign has been deeply intertwined with the British Empire and its long history of violence, theft and oppression; but can the Queen really be blamed for her cultural roots? The answer boils down to personal opinion.

One of the worst offences committed under British rule happened during the Mau Mau Uprising in 1952 - the year that Queen Elizabeth took the throne. During this time, extreme acts of torture were carried out in detainment camps where as many as 150,000 Kenyans were held. British colonists were not driving this war alone however, with the local Kenyan auxiliary militia and pro-British Kikuyu people fighting alongside the British Army.

Although the physical and mental consequences of this time period are still lingering today, it is important to recognise that both the Queen and today’s British Army and Government do not stand by their former actions, and that they have expressed their regret and sorrow and reached a settlement with their former claimants. In the specific instance of the Mau Mau Uprising, the settlement included a pay-out to 5,228 people, as well as a gross costs sum to the value of £19.9 million ($37.7 million NZD). The British Government have also supported the construction of a memorial in Nairobi to the victims of ill-treatment during the colonial-era.

Of course, apologies do not always equal forgiveness and for many people this statement holds strongly, however the gruelling parts of British and African history do not rest entirely with Queen Elizabeth, but with the entire monarchy, government and morals of that time period.

“To all those who have suffered as a consequence of our troubled past, I extend my sincere thoughts and deep sympathy,” the Queen said in a speech at Dublin Castle. "With the benefit of historical hindsight, we can all see things which we would wish had been done differently or not at all.”

Prince Charles has also made addresses towards some of Britain’s past atrocities that were committed with the knowledge and approval of his prosperous ancestors.

“I want to acknowledge that the roots of our contemporary association run deep into the most painful period of our history. I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many, as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery’s enduring impact,” he said.

Although the British monarchy still has much to answer and atone for, it still remains a beloved part of the United Kingdom’s culture. The monarchy no longer holds any governing power, but exists solely to represent national identity, unity and pride; as well as providing a sense of stability and continuity. The Queen was also the Head of State in 14 other countries around the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Jamaica; and was Head of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 states.

Furthermore, the Queen and many members of the Royal Family have established their own charities, helping thousands of people of varying ages across the world each year. The Royal Family has also formed official relationships with the Armed Services, recognising and supporting their work and paying regular visits to soldiers, sailors and airmen.

The death of our Queen was always going to ignite controversy and highlight the mixed relationship that people have with the Royal Family, yet the majority of these views are not aimed specifically at Queen Elizabeth but at the monarchy as an institution and what they have previously represented. Their past is dark and cannot easily be forgotten, however we must recognise that the world and monarchy today do not represent the same ones that stood 50 years ago.

Ultimately, whether you saw the Queen as an adorable, corgi-loving grandma figure or a malicious and violent oppressor, it is important to recognise and respect the other side of the coin. While many people mourn for Her Majesty, many others will be mourning for their ancestors that were tortured and killed under the ruling of the Crown.