Posted by:
Nightingale
(
)
Date: September 08, 2022 10:13PM
Susan I/S Wrote:
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> Politics aside, she
> was one hell of a woman.
Indeed, Sus. A fact that many people miss, unfortunately.
I was just saying to my sister this a.m. how incredibly much the world changed in her lifetime and she didn't get left behind. In fact, she was a trailblazer in many ways. It's hard for so many in younger generations to visualize a world where the woman/man in the street (including the Queen) did not have computers at hand or {{gasp}} cell phones and yet she managed to do her duty, go out and about nearly non-stop and communicate with all the peoples of the Commonwealth and beyond. Of course, there are many social changes as well and yes, she did keep up, even if it seemed slow at times.
Indeed she served in WWII. Even though Buckingham Palace was bombed, her parents the King and Queen chose to stay in London in solidarity with all the other residents. Elizabeth and her sister Margaret, young at the time, were evac'd to nearby Windsor Castle for safety. Princess Elizabeth gave a radio address to other kids to bolster spirits. She felt affinity with their suffering because her home too had been attacked. Princess Elizabeth carried out her first inspection of a military regiment at Windsor Castle, an activity she would repeat countless times throughout her long reign. When she was only 18 she joined the women's branch of the British Army and trained as a mechanic. Part of her training took place in Aldershot, the town where my father was born (at a future date). She trained in part in Camberley, a town where my mother's sister and her family lived (also at a future date - same place - different times).
The Queen was the first female member of the Royal family to see active duty in the British Armed Forces (not in combat, nor anywhere near the front lines, if such existed during the bombing raids over London). She continued driving all of her life, also unusual for someone in her position.
(I took some of the above info from the 'Net but didn't directly quote it).
Service was indeed the touchstone of her life. A former longtime CBC news anchor commented today that the Queen "promised she would serve and boy did she deliver". Think about the fact that a mere 48 hrs before her death she was carrying out her duty, bidding farewell to the previous British PM and welcoming the incoming PM (Britain's 3rd female PM). So, in effect, this long-serving, gifted, kind 96 year old woman enjoyed exactly ONE DAY of retirement before her final day on this earth. That's what I call a hard-working person, in a major way.
Speaking of not expecting to be queen, if her uncle hadn't met Wallis Simpson (American), ending up abdicating, she would not have been at the top of the line of succession as she was when the Crown ended up on her father's head because of his brother's choices. Elizabeth was only 10 years old at that time. She knew then that one day she would become queen (unless her parents had another child who was male - a long shot that never occurred - because her mother was 36 and her father was 41 at that time). Then, due to her father's untimely death at age 56, Elizabeth became Queen when she was only 25 years old. Unexpected indeed. But she stepped up in a big way. For 70 years!!
I have read that Balmoral Castle was one of or even her most favourite place. I am SO GLAD she was there - for once she put her own wishes first when she chose to be there at this time. Perhaps she knew she was reaching the end of the road.
I heard such a cute story on CBC this morning - Canadians had erected a log cabin beside Windsor Castle (one of the Royals' primary residences) as a memorial to the Forestry Corps in WWI. I guess Elizabeth as a young child was told something about it being connected to Canada. She and her grandfather, King George V, often spent time at the cabin, which Elizabeth thought was actually Canada, and they had little tea parties. Elizabeth apparently called herself 'Miss Canada' and she called her grandfather, the king, 'Grandpa England'. So sweet. Definitely a different childhood and life altogether than the vast majority of humankind's lives but that's not Elizabeth's fault.
CBC replayed portions of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations (to mark 70 years on the throne) today, with the Queen so smiley and happy looking on the balcony at Buckingham Palace. They showed her skit with Paddington Bear which is so beyond darling. It's moments like that when you see the woman beneath the crown. If you haven't seen it, try and look it up to watch it. So very cute and sweet. She was a trooper to do things like that, especially, as we've mentioned, when you consider the stuffy age in which she grew up.
Balmoral is in Aberdeenshire. My own dearest mum was born in Aberdeen. Her tears would be flowing today for the British Queen she respected. Mum's hair was the same type and colour as the Queen's, another reason my fondest feelings for both women sort of mix together. That and their accents, although Mum's wasn't so highbrow.
I know the monarchy is not everybody's cup of tea but it's not the Queen's fault. She was taught her duty and she did it faithfully and remarkably well for the largest portion of her life. It's too bad that more people didn't note her wonderful sense of humour. Watch the Paddington Bear clip to catch just a glimpse of it. Paddy said to the Queen: "Happy Jubilee Ma'am and thank you - for everything." The Queen replied: "You're very kind". I love that she had that big celebration - very good timing.
Our PM was choked up as he gave his tribute today. He said "She was thoughtful, wise, curious, helpful, funny and so much more. Canada is in mourning. She was one of my favourite people in the world and I will miss her so." It is "une grande tristesse" he said (a great sadness). She was Queen for almost one-half of Canada's existence. I will miss her dearly."
For whose death are political and sports events postponed out of respect? Not all that many. And all the folks out in the pouring rain outside Buckingham Palace today, spontaneously singing God Save the Queen.
I'm toasting her tonight with my Yorkshire Gold tea and watching all the coverage. I have **never** seen an entire day on CBC TV without a single commercial break, since before 0600 today and ongoing as we speak. That's an amazing tribute in itself.
I feel sad too, Sus, at the loss of the familiar presence of someone I admired.
She did her duty. That's not a bad epitaph. It’s one I greatly respect. She surely deserves to rest in peace.