I was born in 1950 when Queen Elizabeth’s father, George VI, was our monarch. He died in the early hours of 6th February 1952 - the day before my second birthday - and she was proclaimed Queen later that day. As a result, I have lived most of my life as one of her subjects. During those seventy years I saw her at close quarters once when - as Captain General of the regiment - she opened the Royal Artillery’s museum, FIREPOWER! in Woolwich.
Her death means that the country has a new monarch. I will mourn her passing as it marks the end of a very definite period of our country’s history. She came to the throne just as the United Kingdom began to emerge from the aftermath of the World War, and many people saw the ascension to the throne of a new, young Queen was a sign that things were going to change for the better. The was talk of a New Elizabethan Age, coming as it did so soon after the staging of the forward-looking Festival of Britain.
Her first Prime Minster was Winston Churchill, and her fifteenth and last was Liz Truss. She assiduously performed her constitutional duties and provided a link between the various and varied governments that have run the country in her name for the last seventy years. She has presided over a country that has changed very drastically during her reign and always tried to be a unifying force when social, economic, and political change put strain upon it. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs as to whether or not the United Kingdom should remain a constitutional monarchy, we owe her a great debt.
Thank you, ma’am.
God save the King!
Long live the Republic! It’s time for change, no more of this parasitic corrupt family.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteIt’s a pity that you were unable or unwilling to add your name to your comment.
Judging by some of the examples of republican heads of state one sees around the world, having an elected one is no guarantee that whoever they are, they will not be corrupt.
You are entitled to your opinion and I to mine, so let’s leave it there.
Unable to add my name, it’s Simon. A bad Republican head of state can be removed by the democratic process.
DeleteA man like Charles born into the job for life because his name is Saxe Coburg Goethe, sorry Windsor is not really the better or democratic option. The monarchy is becoming increasingly irrelevant. I know a lot of people who would vote for a republic given the chance.
Anonymous (Simon),
DeleteI beg to differ about bad republican leaders being removable by democratic methods. There are plenty of examples that show that not to be universally true.
The UK government governs in the monarch’s name, but they are elected by the people … or at least by those who can be bothered to vote.
Our new monarch may well not be to your liking, and the fact that he was not elected to do the job may well be something that you fundamentally dislike, but consider that fact that he has inherited a role that he might not have wished to take on if he had had any say in the matter.
You may well know a lot of people who would vote for a republic … but public popular votes don’t always bring about the best results for the country. Ask a Remainer or a supporter of Scottish independence.
Thank you for this interesting exchange of views,
Bob.
Nothing against the woman personally, just the monarchy and it’s institution generally. Charles and Parker Bowles, really? I do not think so. Who will protect Andrew now? Will Ginge still publish his book? Well he has to surely, his publishers will insist. Will we still have to put up with his narcissistic C rate (I am being kind here) actress wife? William and Kate and their entitled brats. I could go on…
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThank you for you comment. I note that you are unwilling or unable to add your name, which is a pity.
I feel that the concept of a constitutional monarchy is better form of government than an elected one … which is what a republic is. It’s not a perfect form of government by any means, but republics have not proven to be a better one.
I will not reply to your personal judgements of the various members of the Queen’s family. I don’t know them well enough to be able to make such definite statements, and I don’t feel that I can rely on the popular media for the data I need to do so.
Simon again, I agree with the above totally. But what about all the other hangers on? Edward, Sophie, Ann, Andrews two, when they are not on holiday, again. The endless sycophantic news coverage we will have to put up with for weeks…
DeleteAnonymous (Simon),
DeleteI must admit that I would prefer that the UK’s Royal Family moved more to a Scandinavian-style of constitutional monarchy, where the monarch and the immediate members of the family perform the necessary public duties and the rest have to work for a living.
The news coverage will reflect what those who control the media think that the bulk of the population want to see and read. As an aside, please remember that the people who control the media tend to be unelected multi-millionaires or people who are media professionals.
Thanks again for the interesting exchange of views.
Bob
Bob - For a long time I was a royalist - for two reasons. One was that the monarchy offered certain constitutional safeguards for ordinary citizens - for the Common Weal, if you like. The other was that, frankly, all alternatives that might replace the monarch as head of state simply didn't cut the mustard. It was not as though the bar was set very high, at that.
ReplyDeleteIn recent years I have been rather inclined to look again at Republicanism. It seemed to me that the monarchy has forgotten what it was for - were becoming negligent towards its duty to the Commons. This was becoming more and more plain over the last 5 - 10 years (or so it seemed to me).
Now, the question is whether the successor will be Charles III or William V? It will be interesting to see how Elizabeth's successor takes to the role.
Cheers,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteHaving looked at the alternatives, I still prefer to live in a constitutional monarchy. It does us no harm to question this choice regularly, but having seen how good a job some elected heads of state have done in recent years (I am thinking of Putin and Trump in particular), I’d rather stick with Charles III for the time being. Whether there will be a William V is something that I will probably not live to see.
I hope that our new monarch will look anew at the role he fills, and that he moves to a drastically slimmed down Royal Family that rules in a more Scandinavian style.
All the best,
Bob
Oh the Royal family will get over it. It means new pointless titles for a lot of them. They may even award each other some new medals to hang off themselves on the uniforms they do not deserve. Horrid institution, terrible mafia like family.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThank you for your comment. I’m sorry that you were unable to add your name to it.
One of the joys of living in a constitutional monarchy is that we can enjoy expressing opposing views.
Whilst I don't pay a lot of attention to titles, it might pay you to read some of Edmond Burke: once you remove all traditions from society there is nothing but bare power between government and people. Britain and its parliamentary offspring have evolved from many checks, compromises and balances.
DeleteQuantrilltoy,
DeleteI haven’t read any Burke since I was a teenager studying for my A-Levels … and can’t remember much of what I read!
The monarchy performs a vital role in the UK’s unwritten constitution, and it is a role that has evolved and continues to do so. If it hadn’t, we would now be a republic.
All the best,
Bob
We have turned our TV off for the foreseeable future. Cannot stand the mindless drivel. Most people do not care, thought that was evident by the lack of interest in the last jubilee.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThat sounds like an excellent idea! I agree that the TV tends to spew out mindless drivel most on the time (soap operas, soccer, and game shows spring to mind), which is why my wife and I often end up watching DVDs or programmes on iPlayer, ITV Hub etc.
What a charming bunch you attract to your blog. If "Simon" really is that unhappy, I can find time to run him to the airport. I served HM for 35 years and if anyone thinks a 'Republic' is a better option, they clearly don't need to use all their fingers to total up their brain cells.
ReplyDeleteJeremy Ramsey,
DeletePlease don’t judge me by the comments my blog attracts. Writing a popular blog does have its down side, as today’s crop of comments has shown.
I always try to remain polite and counter any opinion with which I disagree with what I hope are reasoned and reasonable responses.
Simon is entitled to his opinion, even if you and I disagree with it. Perhaps by answering the case he puts forward, he might reconsider and re-examine it.
All the best,
Bob
That from someone stupid enough to work for them. Still I pity your knees afte all those years of bowing and grovelling. No one on earth has blue blood, what a lot of old tosh the royal myth is. You can keep your lift.
DeleteAnonymous,
DeletePlease try to keep your comments within reasonable bounds. Jeremy Ramsey is as entitled to express his views as you are, and to answer his comment in the way you did was not what I would have expected. Service in the armed forces is service to the Crown, and through the Crown, to the country. I also served the Crown in my own small way, and never bowed or scraped to them, neither did I ever think that their blood was any different from my own. When I saluted, it was the rank and not the person I saluted.
Citizen not Subject. Especially not subject to Charles.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThanks for your comment. I regret that you were unable to add your name to it.
As to whether or not you are a subject or citizen, may I refer you to the relevant government website (https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality).
Well said Bob.
ReplyDeletePersonally I wouldn't answer the anonymous comments and would delete them. If you've got nothing good to say at a time like this, don't bother saying anything at all.
Ray Rousell,
DeleteCheers!
The problem with Blogger is that if I limit comments to only those who have Google accounts, some people whose comments I would want to read will not be able to make them.
I must admit that the level of vitriol I’ve seen expressed on Twitter and Facebook has surprised and saddened me. Like you, I feel that if you cannot say anything good at a time like this, you should say nothing at all.
All the best,
Bob
Ray,
DeleteAfter giving it some thought, I have changed the settings so that anonymous comments can no longer be made. I may change this back in the fullness of time,
.
All the best,
Bob
I'm glad you have Bob.
DeleteRay,
DeleteIt was good advice, and I thank you for it!
All the best,
Bob
Elizabeth was queen for my entire life, and although I am not a subject of the crown I greatly appreciate and respect what she accomplished and stood for. She will be missed by many, including myself. Now that she is gone I find myself wondering in what direction the institution of the monarchy will go next.
ReplyDeleteMark Cordone,
DeleteThe late Queen was a constant on the world stage, and as head of the Commonwealth did much to foster peace, understanding, and cooperation between nations. At home, she had a quiet and serene something about her that seemed to engender a feeling of loyalty to her and to the whole concept of the monarchy. She was also a very devout Christian who tried to live up to the values the Church of England - of which she was the ruler - teaches.
It is interesting to note that I have seen out-and-out fully-committed republicans vying for the opportunity to meet her, even for a few minutes. That was the sort of impact that she had on people.
As to the future of the monarchy ... well, it will evolve, as it always has. That is why it has lasted so long.
All the best,
Bob
A lot of twats out there with nothing good to say about anything...so called Simon must have been trawling through social media, looking for places he could spout his crap...like Ray, I would have just deleted his comments!
ReplyDeleteRross,
DeleteSimon is entitled to have his opinion, just as I have the right to disagree with him. I could easily have just deleted his comments, but if I don't indulge in some sort of dialogue with people like him, I will never be able to change their minds. That said, I have now changed the setting on my blog so that anonymous comments are no longer allowed.
All the best,
Bob
PS. I totally agree with the sentiments of your comment.
There are two issues here: the Queen herself, as an extraordinary individual and the monarchy itself.
ReplyDeleteI am not a 'royal watcher'. I don't take a lot of interest in what is worn or said or what so and so's baby is doing.
But I can say this. I am an Aussie, living under a constitutional monarchy and I like it. Even if the monarch was a terrible person I would support having a monarchy for the tradition and stability it entails.
Secondly the royal family can't help being the royal family. It is what they do. They are the descendants of those who are a major part of making Britain Britain.
The Royal family also brings to Britain, in huge numbers of tourists and their cash.
But as an Australian, just like a Pom, Queen Elizabeth was a dedicated Queen who still performed her duties just a week or two before she died. She reminds me of my mum, still insisting on making me sandwiches when she could barely stand any more. It is called dedication, nobility and poise.
Moreover, as a 63 year old, the Queen was always there, like the sun and the clouds. She was just three years older than my mother is. In school we sang 'God Save the Queen' and marched into class each morning from assembly. The Queen's portrait was in each classroom, smiling down on us.
The Queen visited Australia on a number of occasions. Even republicans had nothing bad to say about her as she conducted herself diplomatically, always pleasant. As Sir Rober Menzies quoted from the Longfellow poem when the Queen visited in the 1950s; 'I did but see her passing but I shall love her 'till I die'.
I have never cried for the passing of a world celebrity but I made an exception for this one.
Quantrilltoy,
DeleteWhat a wonderful comment, which sums up the importance of the late Queen to so many people in so many countries, and the reasons why she will be sorely missed. The fact that she was still able to perform the official function of thanking the outgoing Prime Minister and inviting the new one to form a government on the day before she died show just how committed she was to doing a job she was not born to do, and which she had to take on far to early in her life.
All the best,
Bob
PS. You weren't the only person to shed a tear or two when the news that the Queen had died was announced.
I heard about the death of HM this afternoon. I can't think of much to say other than "The Queen is dead, long live The Queen!"
ReplyDeleteI recently listened to an audiobook version of Lord Robert Baden-Powell's "Rovering to Success" and he spoke briefly about a constitutional monarchy vs a republic and he made some good arguments. The POTUS certainly has a lot of unchecked power and recent presidents have not exactly held the welfare and interests of the common voter in mich regard. It wouldn't be perfect but it would be nice if there were an outside power that could watch over the POTUS but not have direct say over anything. I won't pretend to understand how a constitutional monarchy works but it's a nice idea.
Mr. Pavone,
DeleteThe role of the POTUS is to be an elected monarch for a limited time. When the Constitution was written, it reflected the way the UK was governed back at the end of the eighteenth century, where the monarch ruled, assisted by his Ministers.
Since then the role and powers of the UK monarch have changed and evolved, and they have little or no executive power whereas the POTUS was and remains the head of the executive.
The head of our executive is the Prime Minister, and the monarch has an oversight role. They meet every week, and the monarch gets daily Red Boxes which contain copies of all major government documents. The Queen was well known for being very knowledgeable about world and domestic affairs, and was known to advise but never command the Prime Minister. That is how our constitutional monarchy works … and the US would be well advised to follow our example.
All the best,
Bob
PS. I don’t wish to appear finicky or nitpicking, but the correct thing to say is ‘The Queen Is Dead; Long Live The King!’
I don't mind the nitpicking, I'm not a citizen of the UK after all. I'm sure you understood the spirit of my comment. :)
DeleteMr. Pavone,
DeleteI entirely understood and appreciated your very kindly expressed sentiment.
The significance is that at not time is the country without a monarch. As soon as one monarch dies, the other immediately takes their place, hence ‘The Queen Is Dead; Long Live The King!’
All the best,
Bob
The main reason I do not "do" social media in any form is to avoid the mindless drivel and vitriol spouted by those of limited intelligence. Its a real shame to see it on a blog as distinguished as yours Bob. So pleased you have eliminated the anonymous comment capability. The Queen served us very well and The King will do likewise.. Regards.
ReplyDeleteTony Adams,
DeleteI wish I understood why people feel the need to vent their spleen on social media, especially at a time like this. As to the rest of your comment, I totally agree with the sentiment of your last sentence.
God Save The King,
Bob
My 10-year-old son was very shaken by the death of the Queen. He talked about it all day after school. He was very worried about how her children and grandchildren were coping. It might be, in part, that his grandmother just turned 92. It ended with his bedtime prayers where he prayed for her family and hoped the Queen was now enjoying her time in Heaven. :)
ReplyDelete--Chris
Chris,
DeletePlease wish your son my kindest regards. He sounds like a son you can be proud of for thinking about how the late Queen’s immediate family might be affected by her death. I’m sure that he will love his grandmother even more from now on, and appreciate any time he spends with her.
All the best,
Bob
Thanks Bob, well said!
ReplyDeleteGeordie an Exiled FoG,
DeleteCheers old chap!
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeletesorry for you loss and your fellow country men too. As an American, I've always admired Queen Elizabeth. I remember when I was roughly 10 years old watching a children's program. The program showed her riding in the royal carriage. I've enjoyed seeing Queen Elizabeth being portrayed in movies like the Queen.
Scott Hansen
Scott (Scott Hansen),
DeleteThank you for your kind comment. Judging by the many comments I have seen and read on social media, the late Queen was highly regarded across the world.
All the best,
Bob