The Last Queen of England and the First Queen of Great Britain: Queen Anne

Queen Anne, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, was a pivotal figure in British history. While her reign was notable for its religious and political stability, it also marked an important transition in the titles and sovereignty of the British monarchy. Prior to her reign, the title for the monarch of England, Scotland, and Wales would be different, reflecting the separate kingdoms. However, with the Act of Union in 1707, this changed, leading to the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain.

The Changing Monarchy

The change in the title of the monarchy came with Queen Anne's reign. She was the last monarch to officially be called the Queen of England, Scotland, and Wales, after which all future monarchs would be simply titled King or Queen of Great Britain. This change signified the union of the crowns of England and Scotland, creating a more unified British state.

From England to Great Britain

Queen Anne's reign (1702-1714) was a crucial period for the British monarchy. England had been an independent kingdom, with its monarch being titled the 'Queen of England'. However, in 1707, the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland passed the Act of Union, which united the two countries into the Kingdom of Great Britain. This brought an end to the separate crowns of England and Scotland.

It's important to note that this change came after a tumultuous period following the Glorious Revolution. King James II and VII (king both of England and Scotland) was deposed in favor of Anne, who was a Protestant. This event fundamentally changed the balance of power in Britain and laid the groundwork for the Act of Union.

The First Queen of Great Britain

Queen Anne's reign marked not only the end of a period, but also the beginning of a new era. She became the first Queen of Great Britain, a title that reflected the union of the two kingdoms. This single title indicated the political and administrative unity of England, Scotland, and Wales as the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Further Evolutions in the Title

After Anne's death in 1714, George I ascended the throne as King George I. He, along with his successors, became Kings of Great Britain. However, it wasn't until George III that the title was further expanded. George III became King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, marking another significant evolution in the title and the British state.

The decision to drop the claim to the French throne by the British monarchs was a strategic move, reflecting the changing political landscape and the decline of Britain's interest in Anglo-French conflicts. This move was made during the American Revolutionary War and the Seven Years' War.

The Present Monarchy

Today, Queen Elizabeth II adopted a more complex title: 'By the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.' This title reflects the multifaceted nature of the British monarchy in the modern era, encompassing the various realms that have emerged over the centuries since Anne's reign.

Conclusion: Queen Anne's reign was a significant period in British history, marking the transition from the crowns of England and Scotland to the United Kingdom. Her legacy as the last Queen of England and the first Queen of Great Britain continues to influence the British monarchy to this day.