HRH ELIZABETH II

Notes of Concern…

                               …Jackson Blair

HRH Elizabeth II

Recently I wrote a “tongue in cheek” column about the Jubilee Celebration for Queen Elizabeth of England. Now I want to take a moment to be more serious.

There have been few really long reigns in English history. In three short years, Elizabeth II will become the longest reigning monarch. I do not think this is especially an important historical moment but I do think an analysis of her reign is important.

When the crown was thrust upon her on the untimely death of her father, she was a rather young princess. Fortunately, she had witnessed what damage an abdication did to the monarchy and she had watched as her father and mother were thrust into a role they did not anticipate. Her parents performed in an exemplary fashion.

When she became Queen, she dedicated her life to the British people. She has more than fulfilled that promise. She has placed her state duties foremost in her life. She has been a Queen of compassion, steadfastness and responsibility.

During her reign she has encountered a number of unseemly events, mostly related to her children and her husband. She has been a steadfast public servant even during her self described “annus horribilus.”

She has weathered many storms. Although her countrymen have become disenchanted with her husband and her children from time-to-time they have never been disenchanted with her.

She has served through many Prime Ministers and many United States Presidents. She has been a solid example of propriety and dignity. She has been a unifying person for England and for the Commonwealth. Whether it has been through various unhappy escapades of her children, the fire that destroyed her favorite home, or the unsettling death of Princess Diana, she has been stalwart in the performance of her duties. She truly loves England.

I am a huge admirer of Queen Elizabeth II. I think history will rank her as one of the United Kingdom’s most important and influential monarchs.

On this her Jubilee Year I trust everyone will agree:

God Save the Queen.