Queen shares throwback photo reflecting her iconic role in most-watched TV event in British history

The Queen's iconic role saw her witness what is one of the biggest sporting moments for the country to this day...

Queen's iconic role at World Cup revealed, seen here celebrating the start of the Platinum Jubilee
(Image credit: Photo Joe Giddens - by WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Queen’s iconic role in what is understood to still be the most-watched TV event in British history has been revealed in a throwback photograph.


As Her Majesty prepares to mark her Platinum Jubilee 2022 weekend in June with a packed schedule of events, fans have been given unique glimpses of major moments throughout the Queen’s 70-year reign. In the 70 days leading up to the celebrations a wonderful photo from a different year has been shared by the Royal Family, including the Queen’s throwback photograph of her visit to Fiji taken during a devastating year.  

Now the Royal Family have shared the latest picture in the 70 for 70 series. And it’s got fans feeling seriously nostalgic as they reflect on the Queen’s iconic role in a historic TV event…

The black-and-white image shows Her Majesty beaming alongside her beloved “strength and stay” Prince Philip shortly after presenting the World Cup trophy to England Football Captain Bobby Moore. The national team played their way to a much-celebrated victory over West Germany in Wembley in 1966. 

This was the same venue where decades later one of the Queen’s great-grandchildren, Prince George, reacted to England losing in the Euros 2020 final to Team Italy last year. 

“👑 𝟏𝟗𝟔𝟔: The Queen presents @England Captain Bobby Moore with the World Cup after he led his team to a 4-2 victory against West Germany – which is still the most-watched television event in British history,” the caption declared proudly.

Queen Elizabeth II smiles after presenting England captain Bobby Moore with the trophy

(Image credit: Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

This marked the last time the England Football Team secured a World Cup victory and to do so on home soil made the win all the more historic. Not only did the Queen witness the event, but she took an iconic role presenting the trophy.

The way that this match and England’s victory is still reportedly the most-watched TV event in British history is remarkable. And it quickly got fans feeling nostalgic as they shared their memories of the day.

“Gosh I remember that so well. At the time I was given a beautiful black and white kitten and I called him Bobby Moore. I'm really enjoying these posts ☺️”, one person exclaimed. 

A second person revealed they watched it at home, writing, “I remember, my family watching a black and white tv…”

“Remember it like it was yesterday x”, a fellow fan shared.

Queen Elizabeth and Bobby Moore at the World Cup final 1966

(Image credit: Photo by RDB/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

Despite the Queen’s iconic role in the World Cup being the focus of the new post, as with the others in the 70 for 70 series, there was also an insightful world fact shared from the same year. The caption continued, “🌍 In 1966, Indira Gandhi, only daughter of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, became Prime Minister of India.”

Prime Minister Indira was India’s first female Prime Minister and as a prominent public figure herself, the Queen likely also wished to honor Indira’s inspiring role and legacy with this throwback post. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!