As many of you know Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday September 8th, 2022. Although she was 96 it was still a shock but what I hadn’t expected is quite how devastating it would be and how deeply I would feel her loss. It was like I had lost my mother or grandmother.
While she is mourned all around the world many Americans don’t understand why the Queen meant so much to our country.
Growing up in England Queen Elizabeth II was the one constant in our lives and has always been a part of my life. While prime ministers came and went (15 of them), and the country went through some of its toughest times it was the Queen who was always there, steadfast in her duties showing her strength and leadership speaking to the country and the nation. Whenever she would give a speech or address, we would all watch intently and listen to every word. She was so eloquent and regal yet at the same time calming and reassuring. You felt she was talking directly to you and knew everything she said was sincere and heartfelt, she was part of our family, and we were all part of hers.
You wanted to celebrate all the special Royal events such as birthdays, anniversaries, jubilees, and weddings because you loved and admired her and wanted to be a part of her special celebration. She was our beloved Queen and the pride and honor you felt towards her was beyond anything I can even explain.
One of the British traditions I loved the most was the street parties that were held all over the country. I remember for her 25th Jubilee we had a big street party where all the neighborhood came out to celebrate together. Tables and chairs were lined up in the middle of the blocked off streets adorned with decoration and British favorite recipes such as sausage rolls, tasty tarts, a slice of cake for afternoon tea and a large trifle for everyone to share. Over 12 million Britain’s attended a street party in Her Majesty’s honor for the Platinum Jubilee this year.
The Platinum Jubilee was in June, and I planned to watch it on TV but as soon as I saw the start of the Trooping the Color, I just knew I had to be there in England and to be a part it. To be there in person walking the streets with the thousands of others who were there to show their love and respect for the Queen. So, on a whim I booked a flight and 4 hours later was on my way to London. What an amazing experience it was, to be there in the sea of people and feel the pride and honor it was for us all. Memories I will cherish forever.
The Queen taught us all perseverance; she was the mother and grandmother to a nation and an example to the world to led with dignity and grace.
One of her most famous speeches was on her 21st birthday in 1947 in which she swore an oath of devotion to the British people years before assuming the throne that gave her the title of Queen Elizabeth II.
“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” A woman of her word, Her Majesty kept the promise until the day she died.
Her unwavering dedication and loyalty to the crown, she dedicated her entire life to the services of her country and her people. She was also a very kind person, and she believed human beings to be capable of “great acts of kindness” and lived her life showing others by example.
Her family, world leaders and everyone who met her remarked upon her kind heart and generous nature.
Queen Elizabeth II also had a great sense of humor. She did a skit with James bond for the opening ceremony of the 2012 summer Olympics in London and one with Paddington bear during the Platinum Jubilee, when the monarch and the bear made an unlikely but heartwarming pair.
H (no idea why that H is there I can’t seem to get rid of it)
Queen Elizabeth II was an inspiration to us all and now we can all hold on to a little piece of her memory and through her help make this world a better place. She shared her daily mantra with us all in her 2002 Christmas Address
“I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God!”
She was admired, respected, and loved by so many around the world, there will never be another like her.
Rest in peace Your Majesty. Your duty is done