The sound of bagpipes and tolling bells cut through the air as Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest on September 19, 2022, at the age of ninety-six. It was the longest planned funeral in history and billions watched from around the globe. Massive crowds paid tribute to the much-loved sovereign. The line to view her coffin lying in state was five miles long at one point, and mourners lined the route of her funeral procession.
I have heard about the Royal Family my entire life and formed an attachment. As a history buff and lover of fairy tales, I am intrigued by royalty.
Elizabeth first saw Philip Mountbatten when she was thirteen, and he was a cadet at a naval college she toured. They corresponded by letter during the war. He must’ve made quite an impression on her as she was never interested in anyone else, and eight years later, she became his wife. They were married in 1947 and were together seventy-three years until his passing in 2021 at age ninety-nine.
Wedding, November 1947
Princess Elizabeth and Philip married the same year as my parents. Charles and Anne are about the same age as my older siblings. The Hubs and I were married a month before Charles and Diana. I could relate to the stages of life they were at. In the eighties, I sported Diana’s popular hairstyle.
On her twenty-first birthday, Princess Elizabeth made a radio speech saying, "I declare before you all 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." I am so glad The Queen was able to continue to serve until her passing as she had so confidently pledged to do on that day seventy years ago.
Platinum Jubilee 2022The job of Queen was thrust upon her at age twenty-seven following a series of dramatic events. She wasn't initially expected to be Queen, but when her childless uncle abdicated the throne, her father became King, making her next in the line of succession. Sadly, he became ill and died at age 56.
Once her father ascended to the throne, she knew that her destiny was to be Queen one day, however, she didn't expect that day to come so soon. She and Philip thought they had more time to enjoy being a couple with small children as they had only been married six years but their lives changed overnight.
Princess Elizabeth became Queen on February 6, 1952, and her coronation was held on June 2, 1953. With unwavering resolve, she embarked on a seven-decade life of service to her country, duty, tradition and family.
Coronation 1953The Queen’s favourite flower was the Lily of the Valley; she carried it in her wedding bouquet and had it at her coronation ceremony. She loved horses and her corgi dogs. Surrounded by crowds so much of the time, she loved to be out in nature in her downtime, walking, riding, hunting, fishing, or enjoying family cookouts. Her Corgis and her pony were even at her funeral.
Like many couples who have been together a long time, when one passes, the other often struggles to carry on alone. The Queen once said Philip was her “strength and stay”. She looked so small sitting alone at his funeral service.
Watching the Queen’s flag-draped coffin go by in the glass hearse, many of us thought about losing our parents and grandparents. It inevitably brings loss to the forefront of people's thoughts.
Imperial State Crown, Royal Standard Flag
The August night Diana died is forever locked in my memory. Like many, I remember exactly where I was that fateful night. The Queen bowed as Diana's funeral procession went by her as she stood outside Buckingham Palace. She had never bowed to anyone, but did for her grandsons, William and Harry, and a grief-stricken nation.
Queen Elizabeth had a beautiful smile and a good sense of humour. She joked with Harry, made a video with James Bond for the London Olympics and had tea with Paddington Bear.
Our granddaughter, has an interest in the royal family as well. We looked up information about the queen’s life, everyday details like what she liked to eat. On occasion, I would pretend to be The Queen. When Queen Elizabeth died, I had this text exchange with her.
Charles’ story as King will be written into history in the years ahead. I had a hard time accepting everything that occurred between Charles, Diana and Camilla years ago, but I will try and give the new King and Queen consort a chance.
King Charles III
It is not as though, at her age, we didn't know the Queen's life was coming to an end. Like with our elderly loved ones, the loss still hurts. No matter how much time we get with them, we always want a bit more. It is often hard to accept that it is time to step back and let go when their body fails them.
The Queen thought highly of Canada and having RCMP members on horseback in her funeral procession was a thoughtful sign of her respect for Canadians.
London, September 2022She was a celebrity, a bigger-than-life public figure who lived a life of wealth and privilege. Riches or not, we all go down the same final path; no one escapes. At the end of the day, though, she was a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her great-grandson called her “Gan Gan”, and she always made sure there was a treat for the children in their room when they came to stay.
Like any family, after the death and funeral of a loved one, the Royal Family must have been emotionally and physically exhausted. Eleven days of ceremonies and travel is a lot. Every member of the royal family seems somehow changed now.
Military service was important to the Queen and Prince Philip. They served, and their children and some of their grandchildren did as well.
Her unique sense of style and grace set her apart from the crowd; she chose to wear bright colours so people could see her.
Queen Elizabeth II had a quiet, confident air about her that commanded respect. She had a gentle demeanour but was a no-nonsense woman who got her point across. She had to portray herself as a strong woman in male-dominated arenas.
As Queen, she travelled the world, but her favourite place to be was her home in Scotland - Balmoral Castle. This was where she took her last breath with her daughter Anne and her son Charles by her side.
Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
I know lots of people don't have an interest in the royal family. That's a personal choice, but if something interests you and you want to learn more about it, please always do so.
It will take time to adjust to saying/singing "God Save the King". The Queen standing with her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace is an enduring image we are all familiar with. She had that unique wave; no one waved quite like her, although Princess Charlotte has almost got it down pat!
Buckingham Palace, London, England
Comments