Wednesday 9 September 2015

Long to reign over us

(For those who are unaware, the title of this post is a line from the national anthem of this country.)

And she has been.  In fact, today she becomes this country's longest reigning monarch.  Ever.  She became Queen in February 1952, a month I can always remember as that is the month when my paternal grandfather died, the first death of which I had ever been aware.  So, Elizabeth the Second, 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, has now held that position for 63 years, 7 months and 2 days.



By the time of the coronation in June 1953, some 16 months after she had actually become Queen, I was away at school on the Isle of Wight.  Most of the excitement of the event passed me by but I do remember that I had a cardboard model of the gold state coach in which the Queen rode to Westminster Abbey.  A film of the coronation was shown at the local cinema and we were taken to see that.

I suppose it might seem somewhat anachronistic to have a monarchy in the 21st century, although there are others in Europe   But I am sure that the vast majority of we British are happy with the status quo.  Our head of state is above party politics and doesn't divide the country in the way that so many elected presidents do. We have been so very fortunate that the Queen has served her country so dutifully.  Long may she continue to do so.

2 comments:

(not necessarily your) Uncle Skip said...

She's a pretty special lady.
It's really something to be in the spotlight for so long and manage to avoid being directly involved in controversy... at least anything I would consider controversial.

joeh said...

I think The US should have a King, to go to funerals, meet with dignitaries and all the stuff that the President has to do which wastes his time. I think a formal representative of the country who does not have to answer to a politic affiliation is a great tradition.

Long live the Queen!