Up until she was 10 (?), when her uncle abdicated and she knew she would be on the throne at some point in the future.
I don't think she could have turned it down could she? I could well be wrong but isn't it the hereditary title imposed on the next in line?
I thought her and Margaret were shipped off to Windsor Castle. They were only teenagers, so that decision was understandable.
Arguably her biggest misstep as head of state. Shielding him from serious accusations.
I'd imagine Thatcher and her clashed as the two most powerful women in the country. This was probably the only time she tried to undermined a PM, she was known to mock Thatcher's speech and class in private. I hated Thatcher so can let that slide.
The odd state dinner with a fascist dictator, I imagine she'd know how to handle these figures having grown up with many in her family (and extender members of) over the years sharing the same ideals.
Agreed, although it being 'work' is arguable.
She offered sympathy but I don't think she ever apologised.
She might have believed she provided a life of service, I'd argue the service she provided was of very little benefit other than to her family and their finances.
I've seen this statement from people before and it's very easy to make knowing you're never going to be offered the chance.
The opportunity to never worry about money again, that you and your family have access to the best education, healthcare, and security. All that without ever having to do a proper days work again. I imagine many millions of people throughout the UK and Commonwealth would jump at the chance.
None of the Royal Family would swap roles with you, or me, or a teacher, nurse, prison officer etc.
I agree I don't think we'll see a monarch like her again, as British monarchs go she was one of, if not the best and that is because she did very little.
She wasn't a superwoman, other things you mentioned that she went through were not really unique to her, she was really no different to anyone else, only that by accident of birth she was born into a life of unfathomable wealth and privilege.
She reigned as monarch for 70 years. What were her actual, measurable achievements that benefited her people?
She was once referred to as being the C.E.O. of a rich, dysfunctional celebrity dynasty, and that pretty much sums it up.