Article image

Quotes From Famous Kings' and Queens' Speeches

Many monarchs have come and gone in the long and turbulent history of Great Britain, and they have addressed the public in times of war, uncertainty, prosperity, and hope with words that resonated with generations of people in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Of course, many other speeches have largely been lost to time through a lack of written records, and some of the most famous lines from historic speeches are of doubtful origin — or even simply made up. We can thank William Shakespeare for much of that. His plays include a multitude of stirring discourses from various royals, but he was very much exercising his right to poetic license.

Who can forget, for example, Henry V’s rousing speech to the troops on Saint Crispin’s day: “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.” But there’s no evidence the real king ever made such a speech at the Battle of Agincourt — Shakespeare put his own spin on things (it’s more likely that the real Henry V simply said “Fellas, let's go!”).

Many monarchs have, however, made pivotal and rousing speeches that have been reliably recorded. The following quotes come from some of the most famous speeches by Britain’s kings and queens, from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth II.

I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England, too.
Elizabeth I

Share Quote

Elizabeth I’s rallying speech to her troops gathered outside the village of Tilbury was a defining moment in British history. In 1588, with the Spanish Armada approaching, the queen — wearing a silver breastplate over a white dress — rode out to address her soldiers, in what became arguably her greatest speech.

Though you have had, and may have, many princes more mighty and wise sitting in this seat, yet you never had nor shall have, any that will be more careful and loving.
Elizabeth I

Share Quote

When Elizabeth I addressed the Palace Council Chamber in 1601, everyone expected her to focus on the economic issues facing the nation. Instead, she talked about love and respect. The address became known as the Golden Speech.

Estate of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth; for kings are not only God's lieutenants upon earth, and sit upon God's throne, but even by God himself they are called gods.
James VI and I

Share Quote

James VI became the first king of Great Britain with the union of the Scottish and English crowns in 1603. He was an intelligent and peace-loving king, but he was very insistent when it came to the divine right of kings — the idea that kings were higher beings than other men.

Conquest, sirs, in my opinion, is never just, except that there be a good just cause, either for matter of wrong or just title. And then if you go beyond it, the first quarrel that you have to it, that makes it unjust at the end that was just at the first.
Charles I

Share Quote

Despite being mere seconds away from his own execution for high treason in 1649, Charles I’s final address was impressively calm and considered.

Many of these unhappy people may still retain their loyalty, and may be too wise not to see the fatal consequence of this usurpation, and wish to resist it, yet the torrent of violence has been strong enough to compel their acquiescence, till a sufficient force shall appear to support them.
George III

Share Quote

On October 26, 1775, George III addressed the British Parliament over growing concerns about rebellion in America. He warned that the revolt in the colony must be ended quickly — but we all know how that turned out.

Through one of the marvels of modern science, I am enabled, this Christmas Day, to speak to all my peoples throughout the empire.
George V

Share Quote

In 1932, George V delivered the first Christmas Day message by a British monarch, which afterwards became an annual tradition. The speech, which was written by Rudyard Kipling, celebrated the power of wireless communication to connect people around the world.

In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself. For the second time in the lives of most of us, we are at war.
George VI

Share Quote

On September 3, 1939, the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. On that day, George VI addressed the nation via radio broadcast. The king dreaded public speaking due to his stammer, but his powerful speech served to inspire his people — and, later, the acclaimed 2010 movie The King’s Speech.

Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly of wisdom.
Elizabeth II

Share Quote

Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas Broadcast in 1991 highlighted the great changes taking place across eastern Europe and Russia, including the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Elizabeth spoke of the importance of democratic traditions and having respect for other points of view.

I do not think that we should be over-anxious. We can make sense of the future — if we understand the lessons of the past.
Elizabeth II

Share Quote

In 1999, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch reflected upon the start of a new century and a new millennium. Elizabeth acknowledged that the future can be frightening, but that the lessons of history can help us on our path forward.

Featured image credit: GenOMart/ Shutterstock

Author image
About the Author
Tony Dunnell
Tony is an English writer of non-fiction and fiction living on the edge of the Amazon jungle.
Play more header background
Play more icon
Daily Question
Who said, "Jump off the cliff and learn how to make wings on the way down"?

More Inspiration

happiness theme icon

Out of the wreck I rise.

separator icon
Robert Browning
motivation theme icon

I didn't fall in love, I rose in it.

separator icon
Toni Morrison
hope theme icon

Enthusiasm is the great hill-climber.

separator icon
Elbert Hubbard
love theme icon

Success isn’t about how your life looks to others; it’s about how it feels to you.

separator icon
Michelle Obama
wisdom theme icon

There is only one success... to be able to spend your life in your own way.

separator icon
Christopher Morley
happiness theme icon

Words empowered by justice can never be silenced.

separator icon
Isabel Ibañez
motivation theme icon

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.

separator icon
Richard Bach
hope theme icon

'Tis never too late to be wise.

separator icon
Daniel Defoe
love theme icon

Do not fear mistakes, there are none.

separator icon
Miles Davis
wisdom theme icon

If grass can grow through cement, love can find you at every time in your life.

separator icon
Cher
happiness theme icon

Blessed are the hearts that can bend; they shall never be broken.

separator icon
Albert Camus