The entire community of The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and our heartfelt thoughts are with her family at this time. Her Majesty served for 70 years, having ascended to the throne in February 1952 and was the longest-reigning British monarch, the longest-serving female head of state and the longest-serving incumbent head of state. Born in Mayfair on 21st April 1926, the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mother), began her public service during the Second World War, serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. 

 

 
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visits the School's Corniche Campus in 1979

 

In 1947, she married Philip Mountbatten, Prince of Greece and Denmark, with whom she had four children; Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. The Royal  couple remained together until the passing of HRH Prince Philip in 2021. 

 

At the age of 25 she became the Queen Regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries and Head of the Commonwealth. She chose to retain Elizabeth as her regnal name and therefore would be known as Elizabeth II. She was crowned in a magnificent ceremony on 2 June 1953.

 

Her reign has seen many landmark events as well as many historic state visits. In February 1979, on her first state visit to the UAE, BSAK had the honour of hosting Her Majesty; where she was greeted by students and teachers and given a tour of the School’s facilities. It was estimated some 2,000 well-wishers turned out to say hello to her at the old grounds of the School on the Corniche. 

 

   

 

Escorted around the premises by the Headmaster, Alan Hatter, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip were presented with an exhibition honouring the International Year of the Child, a United Nations initiative designed to raise awareness of the issues affecting the least advantaged young people. It was a colourful occasion where the student population was encouraged to turn out in national dress, reflecting the multi-cultural community of BSAK, with stalls set up to serve food from all around the globe.  

 

In 2010, BSAK would once again be graced by her presence with students performing a music recital at the unveiling of a plaque marking the start of construction on the Zayed National Museum on Saadiyat Island. 

 

 
Displays prepared by Primary children for Her Majesty's visit. Courtesy of Lesley McMahon

A passionate supporter of the voluntary sector, Her Majesty was patron to more than 500 charities during her reign including Cancer Research UK, British Red Cross and Barnado’s. It is believed that her Majesty has helped raise more than £1.5 billion. Her Majesty had a particular interest in supporting charitable causes that focused on community and civic issues as well as education and training programmes. 

In 2002, Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of her accession, with a global tour of her Realms. In Britain, a three-day celebration was hosted in London which attracted more than a million people each day, highlighting her popularity among the British public. The length and breadth of the country saw street parties and commemorative events and monuments named in her honour for the occasion. 

 

After marking her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Her Majesty then surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria on 9 September 2015, to become the longest serving British monarch in history. 

This year, Her Majesty reached her Platinum Jubilee and we at BSAK celebrated this in our usual enthusiastic style, with street parties and assemblies.  

 

  

 

Her Majesty was a skilled horse-rider and enjoyed pigeon racing and football, announcing that her favourite team was West Ham United. She was also an animal lover with her favourite pets being Corgis. 

All of us at BSAK pay our respects to the inspirational woman who served selflessly, was a loyal servant to her country and who loved her family and subjects. 

 

We lowered the Union Flag at BSAK today and it will remain lowered until dawn the day after the state funeral, as a mark of respect. 

 

We send our deepest condolences to her family. 

Farewell Your Majesty and thank you for your service. 

Her Majesty The Queen’s visit to the UAE in 1979: https://bit.ly/3d0SeWd

A Beacon of Selfless Leadership https://bit.ly/3qqTZz6