more than just a monarch
september 2022
How do you feel about our Queen? It’s a question us Brits have been asked for decades. Inquisitive people from all over the world are fascinated by our Monarchy and love to learn more…
But that question hits a little different this week. This week we’re a sad nation.
Mourning the loss of our Monarch. A Monarch who has been on the throne throughout our whole lives for most of us.
We all knew it was coming, at the grand old age of 96 we knew she would be taken away from us soon, But still it shocked the country. Flowers have been laid all over the country, sports, the arts and other celebratory events have been cancelled, and the day of her funeral yesterday was declared a Bank Holiday.
There’s no denying that our Queen Liz was pretty spectacular. Not only did she ascend the throne aged just 25, going on to become Britain’s longest-reigning Monarch, but she also brought stability to our Monarchy and dedicated her life to service. Every Christmas she was there, making her official address. Every piece of legislation that’s been passed in parliament, every moment of struggle our country has faced, the Queen has been there doing her bit.
The Queen might no longer run the country, but she still has a big role to play. And she did it with a dedication unlike no other. But she, like everyone, wasn’t just a Monarch. She was a person too. With likes, dislikes and a personality too.
Here’s some facts you might not know about the late Queen Elizabeth II… She was determined. Despite her family’s protest, she joined the army. At just 18 she undertook national service, training as a driver in the Auxiliary Transport Corps. After WW2 ended, she and her sister Margaret partied in the streets of London, celebrating with the crowds. She’s toured the world making over 260 official overseas trips, welcomed 15 Prime Ministers and met 14 of the USA’s Presidents. She LOVED a corgi dog. So much, in fact, that throughout her life she had 30 of them! And she apparently had a great sense of humour and a knack for mimicry! Rumour has it she could mimic the sound of Concorde landing!
Royalist or not, it’s a sad time here in Britain. On Monday, the country came together to celebrate the life and passing of a Monarch like no other, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a women who lead a life of service that was thrust upon her with a small wave of her hand and a happy smile.
Rest in peace Queen Elizabeth II