Written by Ellie Chen, Marketing Intern
Upon turning 21, on April 21st 1947, Princess Elizabeth made a profound royal pledge: “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.”
68 years later, in a speech to Civil Servants at The Home Office in 2015, the long-reigning Queen Elizabeth once again expressed her devout sentiments toward public servitude: “A life of public service is an honourable calling: you have the opportunity to shape people’s lives, inspire others, and uphold the very highest standards”. And despite her unique position, the Queen recognised the role she played as one that was shared by all present at this meeting: “To all of you here today, and to everyone whose role is to serve the needs of others, I want to say thank you for all that you do.”
It was perfectly fitting that the Civil Service Awards marked its tenth anniversary in 2015 with the gracious presence of Her Majesty the Queen. Who better to celebrate the efforts and successes of public servants than the ultimate public servant? Queen Elizabeth II was a monarch who championed her people and upheld the institutions that served her people.
Now, in September 2022, The Civil Service College would like to spend a moment with you to celebrate Her late Majesty herself.
Throughout the Queen's life, many Civil Service heavyweights offered their various tributes. And in the wake of Her late Majesty’s death, these commendations are now particularly poignant. The consensus within their outpouring of respect and affection is a testimony to the unparalleled and unwavering consistency throughout the Queen’s life of public service.
Lord Gus O’Donnell, a former UK Cabinet Secretary across three prime ministers, expressed that Queen Elizabeth II “embodied public service”, even naming her “the ultimate public servant”. O’Donnell only has to point to her final days to emphasise his point: “Until literally two days before she died, the Queen was doing her duty, saying goodbye to a previous prime minister and welcoming a new one”.
Sir Jeremy Heywood, Her late Majesty’s ninth Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, too emphasised her sense of duty and devotion, and once drew parallels between her values and the entire Civil Service: “The best traditions of the Civil Service mirror Her Majesty’s devotion to professionalism, integrity and impartiality”. To regard an entire series of professions, operations, departments, and ministries as holding a mirror to a single individual is a declaration beyond doubt of the Queen’s contribution to public service as we know it.
Just as scrutiny, followed by criticism, is a necessary element of public service. Scrutiny, followed by celebration, should never be withheld either. This week, we celebrate a seventy-year-long life of public service.
Thank you, your Majesty.
The Civil Service College.
