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The Queen of Britain
I am a proud American (and a typical, hardspoken New Yorker). I have icons whotranscendsboarders, and cultures. One of those Icons, is her Royal Majesty, Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Today,February6th, 2012,celebratedher 60th year since sheascendedthe throne. I'm not here to write her bio, her history, her greatest moments, or her worst, but my simple reason why she is an Icon to me.She has no connection to my own country, but at the same time, she has a connection to me. I, like many of users of ning, I love and adorehistory, and partakes in all forms of historical RP. To me, sherepresents, a solid link to proud customs, and national pride, but is also a keeper oftraditionand values, which is extremely hard to do in a world where everything is questioned. I can't argue that I don't like the pomp either hehe, it keeps things interesting hehe. In hard times, she held her head up, and served her nation proudly. On a personal note, she representsstrength, in aconstantlychanging world. She carries on her, the values andtraditionsof the past, somewhichshe removed, and others she adapted to suit our present lives, and in this way she laid the foundations for the future. Her life, ways ,and family isconstantlycriticized, but they remain faithful (I'm nottakingsides of tax payers or the royal spending...not my country not my affairs :-P )), but no one cannot say she has failed her duty. To me, the monarchies ofEurope, from Spain to Sweden,are no longer a powerful force in the sense ofphysicalpower, but yet they arecommandingbeacons, who make their nations proud, by carrying ontraditions, value and pride. This was justpersonalmoment to reflect and add a little post on my thoughts, I mean no harm, no offence, no insult, or nothing like that. To sum it up here are some awesome pics!
This is possibly my favorite image for an unknown reason:
Again, I mean no insult, or offence or anything, just a thought I would like to share.
Delos.
Indeed an outstanding state representative in Europe. And still dedicated to her political duties: She still reads and signs all laws that were passed by Downing Street.
Even though I am a democrat at heart I admire her strength and perseverance over 6 decades. It is thanks to her that the UK still is a kingdom!
*waits for maria's passionate speech about royal morals and her favourite monarch*
Thank you MJ, for that introduction :P and also thank you dear Delos for this wonderful post.
Firstly I would like to wish everyone in Britain, and across the world, a Happy Accession Day! It is certainly not every day that we have a monarch who has reigned for 60 years, and with the Olympics and more importantly the Diamond Jubilee being hosted in London this year, it is truly a glorious moment for Britain. I can honestly say that I have never been prouder of my country or my Queen, God bless Her, than I am at this moment. She is truly a remarkable lady who deserves the utmost respect, and I cannot comprehend the thought of anyone finding this heart-warming speech either insulting or offensive. It most certainly is not
I know many of you will probably dislike the Queen and the whole concept of monarchy in general. But I think it is impossible, for anyone aware of the Queens true duties, for us to not appreciate the enormous devotion and love she has for our nation. Before she became Queen, she announced that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great Imperial family to which we all belong. Although our family is not longer an imperial one, I believe that her sense of duty and service has not diminished at all in the 60 years as Queen. Her devotion and respect for this country has not changed since this day (yesterday) in 1952.
God Save the Queen
And a Happy Belated Accession Day to you all!
Many of my ancestors were British, and while - as an American - we certainly can admire our President (the person) and our flag (the symbol), I sometimes wonder if it wasn't a mistake to throw the monarch out with the tea-water. The Queen is a symbol and the leader of the country (if in name only), and as she is completely removed from the politics of Downing Street, she can be the leader of all ... whereas the President is often only admired (or claimed) by the winning party of the last election. No president can match the favorability ratings she has at home (Heck, more Americans admire the queen than they do the President ... current or the former!)
And so, on this side of the pond, I can't help but envy ... and day dream about a reality that might have been.
God save the Queen. Please don't get rid of her. It really isn't better ... promise ...