Queen Elizabeth II Was an Epic Brand Ambassador

The 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II was epic, or according to Dictionary.com: “Heroic, majestic, and impressively great.” That definition sums up the lady, the Monarch, and the leader. While some might critique her weekly chats (or audiences) with 15 British Prime Ministers, travels around the world to an amazing 117 countries (out of a possible 195), or her handling of family crises including divorces, a fire, a disgraced son, and the death of her daughter-in-law in a Paris tunnel, without a doubt, Queen Elizabeth II was a lady that will be greatly missed on the world diplomatic stage.

TWEET THIS: To quote Camilla, Queen Consort and wife of King Charles III, “The Monarch carved her own role as a “solitary woman” on a world stage dominated by men.” via @DebbieLaskeyMBA #DebbieLaskeysBlog

For 70 years, the Queen was the most respected and effective brand ambassador for the British monarchy brand. As she eloquently said upon becoming Queen in 1952, "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." 

However, the are many changes that will now be made:

• National Anthem – due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, instead of “God Save the Queen,” Britain will now sing “God Save the King.”
  

• Mailboxes – red mailboxes or postboxes were engraved with E II R, which stood for “Elizabeth Regina,” identifying that she was the monarch when the boxes were placed. Now that Charles is on the throne, new mailboxes will bear his cypher.

• Money – the Queen’s image was featured on all British coins as well as paper currency. According to Rachel Elbaum of NBC News, “There are currently 82 billion pounds, or $95 billion, worth of paper money in circulation, so changes to the design of the bills are likely to be made slowly. It will also take time for new bills, likely with the new monarch’s image, to be distributed and the older money with the queen’s portrait will continue to be valid.” And regarding coins, “The tradition of using the monarch’s portrait goes back centuries. Currently, the queen is pictured facing to the right. There is a tradition dating back to the 1600’s, however, that the new monarch faces in the opposite direction of the predecessor, according to the royal family website, so Charles will likely be pictured facing left.”

• Stamps – In 1967, Queen Elizabeth II was the first monarch to appear on postage. Her silhouette faces to the left on each stamp, rather than to the right as she does on coins.

• Government Services – As a constitutional monarchy, government services such as the court system, the treasury, and the tax collection service will be renamed from “Her Majesty’s” to “His Majesty’s.” Here’s a good example: instead of being called Her Majesty’s Courts, the pronoun will change, and the courts will be known as His Majesty’s Courts.

• Goods and Services – Commercial goods and services that supply the royal household are able to apply for a royal warrant, or a mark of recognition. Some brands, for example, Kellogg’s or Heinz, have a small mark on the box showing that they are used by the Queen. Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, warrant holders can continue to display her crest and the relevant wording for two years before a review of the warrant takes place.

• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube) – The Queen and her communications team joined social sites. Her likeness, activities, patronages, and special events were prominently featured. The new monarch will become the main feature once the official mourning period has completed.

And those are just the changes in the United Kingdom! Imagine the changes in other countries!

Over the years, there has been talk that the monarchy’s reason for existence has long since passed, but the Queen did not comment. Instead, she continued to represent her people around Great Britain and the remaining countries of the Commonwealth.

Isn’t that the purpose of a brand ambassador? To be a dedicated and positive representative? Absolutely.

There will be plenty of time to see if King Charles III will make a positive impact, but for now, let’s celebrate the legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

My favorite examples of the Queen’s humor and co-branding appeared in the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics when she appeared with James Bond (actor Daniel Craig) and also when she appeared having tea with Paddington the Bear in June of 2022.

What are your favorite memories of Queen Elizabeth II as we usher in a new era of the British monarchy brand?

Image Credit: City of London via Twitter.