2021 data revelations, clearly indicates that approximately 14% of British residents belong to an ethnic minority group which is indeed the backbone of our multicultural society. Most interestingly, this socio-demographic transition happened over the reign of the late Monarch Queen Elizabeth II.
History witnessed a scalable immigration from the Commonwealth after the Second World War,as the nation was rebooting in active reconstruction mode. This included a fair mix of both white- and blue-collar immigrants, the aspiring doctors and engineers coexisting with lesser skilled profiles as well. Apart from Afghanistan, Burma, Egypt (including Suez), Iraq, Israel and of course, the Indian subcontinent, the entire British Empire was systematically liberated during The Queen’s tenure and thus a framework for future integration systematically established.
Invitational immigration policies aside, The Queen played a mammoth role in securing the multicultural fabric of the new Great Britain, through both external and internal initiatives. Her visit to India and Pakistan in 1961 (wonderfully recorded by British Pathe) was a fine example of bridging the old with the new. Her itinerary included the perfunctory socialisation with some erstwhile princely states as well as an intense excursion to the Durgapur Steel Plant, the future of independent enterprise. The cultural interactions were both genuine and meaningful, and this was a pattern she genuinely exuded in her Commonwealth visits throughout her tenure.
Notably, this was not just a PR showreel endeavour as she continued her involvement back in Britain as well with engagements with every source of ethnic identity in a consistent and genuine manner. Thus, astutely managing the transition from one-time empress of multi racial colonies to a welcoming integrator of multiple ethnicities in the brand-new Great Britain, a powerhouse inclusive in its outlook for everybody and no longer insular.
As a logical outcome, immigrants thrived both professionally and in business, but most crucially, forged a hybrid unique cultural identity within the country. What we see today as an organic assimilation of influences can well be partially, albeit significantly, credited to late Queen Elizabeth II. Her vision for a truly diverse Great Britain, has been manifested in the modern world; this will truly be her everlasting legacy.
History witnessed a scalable immigration from the Commonwealth after the Second World War,as the nation was rebooting in active reconstruction mode. This included a fair mix of both white- and blue-collar immigrants, the aspiring doctors and engineers coexisting with lesser skilled profiles as well. Apart from Afghanistan, Burma, Egypt (including Suez), Iraq, Israel and of course, the Indian subcontinent, the entire British Empire was systematically liberated during The Queen’s tenure and thus a framework for future integration systematically established.
Invitational immigration policies aside, The Queen played a mammoth role in securing the multicultural fabric of the new Great Britain, through both external and internal initiatives. Her visit to India and Pakistan in 1961 (wonderfully recorded by British Pathe) was a fine example of bridging the old with the new. Her itinerary included the perfunctory socialisation with some erstwhile princely states as well as an intense excursion to the Durgapur Steel Plant, the future of independent enterprise. The cultural interactions were both genuine and meaningful, and this was a pattern she genuinely exuded in her Commonwealth visits throughout her tenure.
Notably, this was not just a PR showreel endeavour as she continued her involvement back in Britain as well with engagements with every source of ethnic identity in a consistent and genuine manner. Thus, astutely managing the transition from one-time empress of multi racial colonies to a welcoming integrator of multiple ethnicities in the brand-new Great Britain, a powerhouse inclusive in its outlook for everybody and no longer insular.
As a logical outcome, immigrants thrived both professionally and in business, but most crucially, forged a hybrid unique cultural identity within the country. What we see today as an organic assimilation of influences can well be partially, albeit significantly, credited to late Queen Elizabeth II. Her vision for a truly diverse Great Britain, has been manifested in the modern world; this will truly be her everlasting legacy.
Manish Tiwari
Managing Director of Here and Now 365, pays his tribute to late Queen Elizabeth II
“A rare monarch, who leaves a lasting legacy for not only our country but the world at large. Queen Elizabeth II has led to all of humanity coming together in a rare display of solidarity.”
