Catherine Pepinster is the author of Defenders of the Faith – the British Monarchy, Religion and the Next Coronation, to be published by Hodder and Stoughton on June 9.

In the middle of her reign, the Queen had plenty of other members of the royal family to depend on to help out with this considerable philanthropic version of monarchy. But in these twilight years of her reign, ‘the Firm’ is much smaller. No Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Diana or Prince Philip. Harry, Meghan and Andrew have stepped down and the dependable Kents, Gloucesters and Princess Alexandra are all elderly too. Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Defender of the Faith: these are the familiar titles of Elizabeth II, for 70 years monarch of this country. Her presence has provided the country with continuity and stability amid the turmoil of the late twentieth and early twenty–first century. Of course, there is so much we don’t know about the Queen’s faith, but what we can see is this: it’s rich, it’s alive, it’s constant, it’s prayerful, it’s biblical, and it’s Christ-centred. It’s shaped her imagination and it’s enabled her to model gracious excellence in arguably the most public role in the world for over 70 years. And that faith, that living trust in Christ, has impelled her to give the credit to the Saviour whose servant heart and servant example she has sought to emulate in everything she does. For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, He stretched out His hands in love, acceptance, and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” (Christmas message, 2014)

It is very significant that the Queen of England will value her faith so much as to make the whole world know and much so at the pinnacle of her reign. It is significant because God will be ashamed of anyone who is ashamed of Him before men but honor anyone who honors Him before men. We stand in an age where religion is always frowned upon because of its extremities, many disappointments and failures. This is not unusual because mostly religion is man attempting to reach God by their own sets of rules and regulations. However, christianity, God’s own act of redeeming mankind to himself, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ, offers a relationship with the God of the universe and an empowered living through His Spirit. Thus there is no longer a set of rules and regulations to follow but a relationship to honor. Her Majesty discovered the value of that relationship in her life and her role in the nations. It was also significant that David Cameron, the UK Prime Minister, in his Easter message, made it clear that the UK is a Christian nation, outlining the role of the Christian Church in the community. Many care centers, hospitals, orphanages, shelters etc., sprang up all over the world because people of christian faith moved by compassion acted to serve the needs of their fellow men. Icon, matriarch, reformer, and the longest-reigning monarch in British history - Queen Elizabeth II intrigues millions around the world with her royal heritage, inspirational character, and profound faith, especially as depicted in award-winning films such as The Queen and the wildly popular Netflix series The Crown.

Is Her Majesty to make the decision for others as to whether they will follow Christ? How do you recommend she force the apostate to suddenly recognize they need to personally accept Christ? Which group shall she start with, because maybe she can personally visit each unbeliever on Earth before she passes to where she will know even as she is known? Princess Elizabeth never expected to be Queen. But when she was ten, her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated and everything changed. Her father took over as King, but after 15 years on the throne, he died. So when she was just 25 years old, Elizabeth was crowned Queen and has become the longest-serving monarch in British history. I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God!’ (2002)

8. How God restored love to our lives through Jesus

In effect, she was saying that the twenty–first century Church of England is like an umbrella, under which other faiths and Christian denominations can shelter. Our Christian faith helps us to sustain those convictions. Christ not only revealed to us the truth in his teachings. He lived by what he believed and gave us the strength to try to do the same – and, finally, on the cross, he showed the supreme example of physical and moral courage.’ (1990) For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God’s love, as we strive daily to become better people. The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.' (2013)

I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian Gospel.” (Christmas message, 2002)It’s no secret that the Queen’s faith in Jesus Christ is of central importance to her. But very little has been written about the particular character of her Christian commitment, or how it has fuelled her vision for her role, the nation, and the Commonwealth. This desire that post-Imperial Britain would be a positive moral example to others has a strong resonance with the vision that the people of Israel were given by God: that they would be ‘a light unto the nations’ (Isaiah 42:6). The biblical nation of Israel was relatively small in area and small in population. And it was not marked out for regional or global domination. Rather, it was intended that their devotion to God and his ways, and their testimony to his mighty deeds, would serve as a powerful witness and blessing to surrounding countries. Young children will learn more about the incredible life and faith of Britain’s longest-serving monarch and they will be inspired about the great things they can do for God. Again, we see a focus on actions, on the quality of community life, on the quality of the lived experience of every individual. Still, her vision for neighbour-love goes beyond taking the initiative to meet immediate needs. Indeed, in her 1980 Christmas message she set out a comprehensive vision for neighbour-love that embraced every sphere of society from business to education, from the armed forces to health services, from politics to the arts. We love our neighbour by offering our gifts and talents to them in selfless service. Importantly, she closed that section of the message with these words: It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.’