It's difficult to say 'why' this woman fascinates me. Sure, I could go and on about the accomplishments of the United Kingdom, with HRH as the Royal Monarch. But it's not just about her. It's about the combination of many lands, the people thereof, and their combined efforts to maintain a better life. Have they had success? From where I sit, across the pond, it looks awesome.
Two different governing bodies have been established and though no one has 'voted out' the Queen from her position, the people have an avenue to choose who represents them from the other body of government. I don't pretend to know their feelings on this subject. There are lots of rumors of 'this and that,' but I chalk it up as something I've read. It doesn't make it so.
My experience, meeting people from the UK via blog sites, has been heart-warming; a treasure trove of information and great 'humour'. (Spell check is prompting me to make a change to the word, humor.)
When I saw this photo of HRH, I saw the face of my Dad's Mom. Her bright blue eyes, soft porcelain skin, and 'contemplative' facial expression... well... memories run deep. I wonder what she was thinking as this photo was taken? (Look at that crazy fellow passing on the starboard... he can't do that... I'm the Queen!) (smile)
I hope that the UK is happy with HRH. Sixty years and and a lifetime ago, she could have said no. There might be some who wished she had. If the crowds at the various Jubilee events is an indicator of sincere support, then the UK is a place I'd love to visit. If the crowds were merely for show, for the historical significance, I would not fault them. This Jubilee is one of the most rare events of it's kind.
~And my fascination for the Queen? I'm not sure, but should she invite me for tea and a chat ~ I'll have more to write about.
Dear Dixie,
ReplyDeleteI recently read that the approval rating for the monarchy amongst the public in our country is at a high point, with something like 87% of the populace wanting to retain the monarchy and not become a republic. It seems the Jubilee has brought out this apparent adoration for our Queen and her family. I also think the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton has increased their popularity. Far be it from me, then, to ruin the party, although I've always felt the Royals to be something of an anachronism in a supposedly democratic state. Perhaps living in a country with a monarchy is different from admiring it from afar, and it does seem that they are poular "across the pond" aswell, as your own thoughts attest.
Still, I hope, if you saw them, that you enjoyed all the Jubliee celebrations. Unfortunately some of us serfs just couldn't afford to go!
Very Best Wishes, Dixie,
David.
My mother loves the Queen. I never quite get why until we went together to see the movie "The Queen" (the Queen played by Helen Mirren). Confronted by what I would call People Magazine induced expectations, the Queen reflects on what she thought her duty had always been, so far from the current expectations, as in these lines of dialogue: "If you imagine I'm going to drop everything and come down to London before I attend to my grandchildren who've just lost their mother... then you're mistaken. I doubt there is anyone who knows the British people more than I do, Mr. Blair, nor who has greater faith in their wisdom and judgement. And it is my belief that they will any moment reject this... this "mood" which is being stirred up by the press, in favor of a period of restrained grief and sober, private mourning. That's the way we do things in this country, quietly, with dignity. That's what the rest of the world has always admired us for."
ReplyDeleteThe Queen's popularity is on a high in the UK but in the main she has always been well thought of. Her only real low point was when Diana died, as she (or her advisers) were out of touch with the way the public felt.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to see the monarchy continue, the cost is relatively low, but feel some of the lower ranked royals could be kicked into touch.
One day things will change and the British Commonwealth will fall apart but until then lets keep the status quo.
The Queen must be the hardest working woman in the world. At 86 years of age she stood for five hours as the Royal barge led a flotilla of 1,000 boats along the Thames. I am not especially a Royalist though I fear for the future of the monarchy when she goes (but not imminently).
ReplyDeleteMike (above) is wrong to refer to the British Commonwealth; it has been the 'Commonwealth of Nations' for many, many years. When I was at school our globe of the world was coloured one-third in pink to represent British possessions and dominions which had the the Queen as Head of State - one third of the world!
Thank you for this lovely post and for recognising British (and often Canadian) spelling!
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
I agree that it should be the Commonwealth of Nations (bazza), it's my age showing! :) A slip of the keyboard.
ReplyDeleteNo harm done Mike!
ReplyDeleteDear David,
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly for you remarks. I relate to a few things you wrote. Although we do not have a monarchy in the States, I sometimes wonder if the decision for president is not already made behind closed doors, before the public's vote.
We have lost our precious republic to the cruelty of democracy. Republics ofcourse having 100% of voices to be heard, whereas democracy is defined as 50% plus 1. Automatically we've lost 50% of the population's opinions/comments. How can this be, "of the people, by the people, for the people..."? It cannot.
Anachronism - excellent description, though I've never thought of it in that way.
Yes, the media is determined to keep our minds free of considering our own governments' failings. Think, "American Idol."
From one 'serf' to another, with the cost of attending a "White House" gala at $15,000 per plate... well, you get it!
Thanks again, and best wishes to you, Dixie
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the movie and remember that quote very well. It spoke volumes of her position and personal obligation. I recall having sympathy for all.
I'm glad you visited; I'm enjoying reading about your adventures. Take care and have a peaceful weekend! Dixie
Mike,
ReplyDeleteNot living there affords me a disadvantage. To me, the media demands on HRH to make a statement were somewhat akin to the badgering of her former daughter-in-law. As for truly knowing the expectations of the people, I was out of touch myself.
My own Mom had passed four months before, so my first thoughts were of the young children, and the actions of Prince Charles.
Thanks Mike for sharing your thoughts!
Bazz,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind compliment. What I've called, "speaking English" has really been corrected on many occasions(smile).
"Commonwealth of Nations," not even I remembered that. Thanks for the lesson and I hope you and Mike can strike up a connection.
I can't imagine being my age, standing for five hours and still smiling. Reminds me of the second photo I posted. ;) I was so hoping they'd have little bar stools behind those red chairs!!
Thanks for commenting; I'll be round to visit soon!
Hi Dixie,
ReplyDeleteI like to think of the recent Royal festivities as one of a positive distraction on this little nation and a feeling of peaceful goodwill to transcend, worldwide.
Although I have mixed feeling about Royalty, if the masses were out their celebrating and joyous in a positive ideal, then that's all that really matters.
I am very sure that the Queen would welcome a visit from your good self :)
Your carriage awaits thee to whisk you off to Buckingham Palace..
In kindness, Gary
Hi Gary!
ReplyDeleteIt would take more than a carriage to get my broken arm/shoulder there, however I appreciate the offer.
But(!) if I did get there... after tea, HRH and I could take bazza's Monopoly Tour!! In fact, let's get a tour bus and all of us following bazza's blog could take the journey. Then have more tea at his home. Shh, let's surprise him!!
Gary, there are so many wonderful events happening there, visit one for me, friend.
Okay Dixie. We shall get the Queen on a double-decker bus and go for a Monopoly tour. Then we could have a surprise tea party at bazza's!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of wonderful events here; I shall try and get a view of the parade in honour (honor)of Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!:)
Gary, I suppose you'll now have to write a blog titled, "Penny - for your thoughts." Go ahead, describe the parade and festivities; we await with anticipation!
ReplyDeleteReally? A double-decker bus? I'll hop the next train and get there soon! ;)