Requiescat In Pace Queen Elizabeth II

I feel like today there is little time for frivolity or creative stories. The only thing that can be acknowledged is the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch. Passing away at the age of 96, she was witness to and partook in all modern history. In a time when women were barely acknowledged as being a contributing factor in society, she became Queen and ruled with a small wave, a brilliant smile, a mischievous sense of humor, and a dedication to tradition. Did she do it all well? Definitely not. She made her share of mistakes, as we all do, but like any dignitary, her mistakes were on a world stage. Just imagine how much the world has changed in the last 100 years – the technology alone is mind-blowing.

I was attempting to explain the fascination with the monarchy to a dear friend today. Gen X grew up watching the modern monarchy come into fruition. We were kids when Princess Diana, a kindergarten teacher, was plucked from relative obscurity to become the Princess of Wales. We watched as she and Charles, who we thought were so much in love, wed – Diana in her incredible dress that made us all believe we could be princesses. We were growing up as we watched their family come about: William and Harry. We approached adulthood as we watched it all fall apart and we learned that their love was not real, but her love for her sons was. We were young adults when Princess Diana was killed and we became invested in the lives of William and Harry because somehow we felt protective over these two boys who were dealt an incredible blow at such a young age. Though the Queen could not fathom the attachment to Princess Diana, that England and the world shared, she learned. She didn’t learn well enough or maybe Charles did not, because they never understood Harry’s desire to remove Megan from the spotlight, circumventing the same horrible fate his mother suffered. Secretly, I think the Queen and Prince Phillip understood more than the others, because despite tradition, Elizabeth and Phillip shared a love for the ages.

It is imperative to note that there were many atrocities at the hands of the British Empire, as there have been atrocities in every civilization since the beginning of time in the name of religion, politics, power, and greed. That doesn’t excuse or explain away things they have done, but acknowledges the just and righteous anger and indignation that people feel about the monarchy.

For me, I mourn, out of compassion, for a country who loved their monarch. I marvel at the incredible history that Queen Elizabeth II was part of and the role she took in a world that did not so readily welcome her. My heart breaks for her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren because they lost their matriarch. For us, she was a leader, a dignitary, to them she was simply Mum or Nan – that loss is painful regardless of your station in life. They will barely have time to grieve before they become part of the pomp and circumstance. I hope that the family sees past their differences and can be there for one another in this time of grief – unfortunately, death often brings out the worst in people. I wonder what lies next for England, a new prime minister and a new monarch in just a matter of days. I hope that King Charles III has a long reign, despite assuming the throne at the age of 73 – the man should be looking to retire and his career is just beginning.

Just my musings for today – Long Live the King. Requiescat in Pace Queen Elizabeth II, may you dance with Prince Phillip for eternity.