Queen Elizabeth II - a culture and pop icon

Artists have portrayed her, the Beatles devoted a song to her, others have written about her in their novels. Queen Elizabeth II has been culture and pop icon all over the world.

Andy Warhol's iconic Queen portrait

American pop artist Andy Warhol created a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in 1985. "Reigning Queen," as the work is titled, is among the most famous portraits of the now deceased monarch. It has been reproduced countless times, is featured on bills and postage stamps, and today belongs to the Royal Collection. Warhol made the Queen a pop icon.

An opera in honor of the Queen

British conductor and composer Benjamin Britten wrote an opera in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. "Gloriana" was first performed in London in 1953. Its title derives from the eponymous Queen Elizabeth character in an Edmund Spenser poem, nicknamed Gloriana. Britten's opera, however, was not well-received.

Beatles: 'Her Majesty is a pretty nice girl'

In 1965, The Beatles were awarded MBE medals from the Queen at Buckingham Palace for their contributions to the British music industry. True to from, the fab four several years later released a song devoted to her, titled "Her Majesty," in which Paul McCartney sings: "Her Majesty is a pretty nice girl/ But she doesn’t have a lot to say."

A style icon

Queen Elizabeth II owned a sizable collection of hats, most of them with floral embellishments. Blue was her favorite color. And she always selected a fitting outfit for every occasion, be that a state visit, country outing. Many admire her as a style icon.

"The Queen" movie

Stephen Frears' 2006 biographical drama film "The Queen" retells the events after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Helen Mirren, who plays Elizabeth II, was awarded an Oscar in 2007 for her performance. "The Queen" won countless other accolades too.

An inspiration to novelists and screenwriters

Over the decades, the Queen inspired scores of writers and film-makers. In Roald Dahl's children's book "The BFG," for instance, the Queen is portrayed as a standoffish monarch. In other works, like Alan Bennett's one-act stage play "A Question of Attribution," she is depicted as slightly mischievous.

The Queen loved James Bond films

The Queen loved attending James Bond film premieres. She was there when "You Only Live Twice" premiered in 1967, and attended the first screening of "Casino Royale" in 2006 with Daniel Craig starring as Bond. One time, when the two were having their picture taken together, she reportedly told Craig: "Oh no, he's the one that doesn't smile. Fair enough!"

The Queen makes television history

Queen Elizabeth II made history on June 2, 1953, when her coronation was broadcast live on television. That day, thousands of people gathered in front of their television sets to follow the momentous event.

Visiting "Game of Thrones" set

During her 2014 visit to Ireland, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prinz Philip visited the "Game of Thrones" set in Belfast. They even shook hands with some of the series' actors. Later, the Royal Palace tweeted this picture of the Queen beside the Iron Throne.

Rock legends celebrate the Queen

In June 2022, Britain celebrated the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II with four days of festivities. No British monarch, after all, has served as long as her. A Platinum Jubilee Concert was held at Buckingham Palast to mark the special occasion, with rock legends Rod Stewart, Queen and others performing.

"The Crown" series on hold?

The Netflix series "The Crown" focuses on the life of Elizabeths II and many other members of the royal family. While some of the events depicted in the series are fictional, others are based on true events. "The Crown" creator Peter Morgan expects production of the show will paused following the Queen's death.