It only seems suiting that I write about the Queen on the day of her funeral. Through technology we were privileged to beautiful ceremonies steeped with Royal traditions. I get caught up in those traditions as they are carried out in century old churches or other incredible buildings with absolute precision inside. The hundreds of soldiers in unbelievable uniforms, each serving a different role to the Queen. The large crowds, flowers everywhere and the list can go on. What a long-lived life Queen Elizabeth II had, working literally until the day of her death. She knew nothing else but to serve and serve she did.
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| How beautiful |
I have pretty much spent the last 11 days renewing my love and respect for the Queen through stories people share at the time of death. Her death and everything that goes with being a Royal, has brought the little girl out in me. The segment that spoke of the Queen's wardrobe and how she was involved in the decision of every one of her dresses or gowns showed what a fashion diva she really was. I can't get enough of the Queens hats; Grandma Dixon instilled a love of hats in me years ago and I am totally fascinated by them. So much went into how she looked, and I have to say she always wore the perfect ensemble. When Kay and I were in Fredricton we were privileged to go to the Government house. In that tour we saw a 12-foot portrait of the Queen at a much younger age. It was the most beautiful portrait I have even seen in my life. It reminded me of how young she was when she became Queen and how she has her own regal beauty.
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| Good-bye Dear Queen |
Most of my life, I had a dream of going to see the Queen and Buckingham Palace. Castles were fascinating to me, and England would be the place to see them. A few years ago, I gave up on that dream and watched "The Crown" on Netflix. Up until that point in my life I basically knew that the Queen lived in Buckingham Palace and Queened. She loved horses and dogs and was in the war. Binge watching "The Crown" certainly enhanced my knowledge of the Royals. I recommend that if you haven't watched this series do make it your winter project, it will be so meaningful since the Queen's death. I have heard the facts presented in this series were close to true facts, but as we know made for TV. I gobbled them up.
Looking at Charles at 73 years old, taking on the role of King, it reminds me that he will not have a retirement just like his Mum. The press commented this morning that he has had a grueling itinerary since the death of the Queen. He looks exhausted today why wouldn't he. Of course, the press is ready with comments such as they felt Charles wasn't grieving properly. Really, when would he have time and one thing that the Royals know is not to show emotion. As Charle's lip quivered during "God Save the King" it certainly pulled at my heart strings. I have just loved seeing William, Kate, Harry, Megan and all the other Grands. Oh, but how cute was Charlotte's wee hat. I loved how George and Charlotte were cleared to go to the funeral. I guess Louis couldn't get clearance. Those little people are being well trained and such good little peeps when required.
Moving moments for me were certainly seeing the Royal family walk behind the casket. The vigil at the casket while the Queen lay at state, by both the children and the grandchildren was extremely touching. I just have to say those eight young men that were pallbearers did an impressive job. Caskets in the UK are lead lined and I believe it would weigh over 550 lbs. At times those young men were holding their share on the palms of their hands with no signs of struggle. Not to mention the navy soldiers pulling the wagon with meticulous precision. Their long hours practicing at night sure paid off. The respect that the people of the Queens country and around the world is overwhelming for lack of better word. No one seemed to complain about standing in line for long hours to say their goodbye clearly showed the love and respect they had for Queen Elizabeth.
Well Queen Elizabeth you told the people when you became Queen, you would serve them for the rest of your life. To know that just two days against her doctor's advice she appointed the new Prime Minister. I think she would have loved working with the new PM but not to be. Her official last act was to send a message of condolences to the people in Saskatchewan following the tragedy in James Smith Cree Nation. The press is saying her final act was to bring family together. That she did I believe as an act of a Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. I hope in heaven that Elizabeth and Philip enjoy a life that they dreamed of. I feel that she unknowingly has made every little girl want to be a Princess.
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| How lovely this was part of the service. |
This was a brilliant read!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh…well said. I too have always been fascinated by the Royals.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Monarch as well. I ordered a couple magazines of her 75th celebration and a tin with her photo with 75 (3×25 bags) of different teas inside from an English publication.
ReplyDeleteLovely post about our Queen! I am very pro royalty as Mum was born in Norfolk and her mother used to have tea with the Queen Mother when she was at Sandringham. So much history and the Brits sure know how to do pageantry and ceremony.
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