Friday Open Thread: The Queen's Passing
"Oh, wow, that's Elizabeth!"
Such were my thoughts upon watching the 2010 film, The King's Speech. While not a central figure to the story, it always stuck with me that Elizabeth was there as a ten-year-old girl while the events of the story unfolded which centered on her father, King George VI's ascent to the throne with the looming threat of the outbreak of war being featured so prominently in the background. Elizabeth would come of age during the second World War and would eventually ascend to the throne in 1952. Her 70-year reign was the longest in British history and the second longest of any monarch in history. That little girl who was a background character in the movie went on to become a central figure in both British and world history throughout the rest of her life.
Such were my thoughts upon watching the 2010 film, The King's Speech. While not a central figure to the story, it always stuck with me that Elizabeth was there as a ten-year-old girl while the events of the story unfolded which centered on her father, King George VI's ascent to the throne with the looming threat of the outbreak of war being featured so prominently in the background. Elizabeth would come of age during the second World War and would eventually ascend to the throne in 1952. Her 70-year reign was the longest in British history and the second longest of any monarch in history. That little girl who was a background character in the movie went on to become a central figure in both British and world history throughout the rest of her life.
While it is the British Parliament that is the central decision-making body in a constitutional monarchy, one cannot deny the allure and fascination with the Royal Crown. The marriages of Charles, William, and later Harry were extravagant ordeals that captured the world's attention. Princess Diana's death was a tragedy that reverberated throughout the globe. Harry and Meghan's withdrawal from the royal family sent shockwaves through the royal and family and particularly the British press. Queen Elizabeth II herself was a must-see for any world leader and it speaks volumes that Barack Obama was the only world leader she invited back after having left office. The monarchy itself might have become a figurehead position but that didn't mean it wasn't important. For Her Majesty's subjects, Queen Elizabeth II represented a unique part of history regardless as to whether or not she was the official Prime Minister or even a member of Parliament. She was without official power but she was not, in any way, powerless.
Seventy years in Buckingham Palace as monarch is no small feat and to remain in that role with a consistent semblance of dignity and grace speaks volumes to Elizabeth's character. She was one of the good ones, a historical figure who simply seemed to be in the exact time and place where she needed to be. She will be missed by millions of Britons and millions around the globe for her humility and her compassion. While small in stature, she always loomed large on the world stage. That is a testament to her and the way in which she conducted herself in her role. She was and will always be known for her title, a title that became synonymous with her very being. For millions across the globe she was not Elizabeth II but instead was simply The Queen. Today we honor her and her remarkable life in a way that is fitting of the royalty that she was, in a way that attempts to do justice to everything she accomplished. Because while The Queen may be dead, her legacy will live on for generations to come.
This is your Friday open thread.
Seventy years in Buckingham Palace as monarch is no small feat and to remain in that role with a consistent semblance of dignity and grace speaks volumes to Elizabeth's character. She was one of the good ones, a historical figure who simply seemed to be in the exact time and place where she needed to be. She will be missed by millions of Britons and millions around the globe for her humility and her compassion. While small in stature, she always loomed large on the world stage. That is a testament to her and the way in which she conducted herself in her role. She was and will always be known for her title, a title that became synonymous with her very being. For millions across the globe she was not Elizabeth II but instead was simply The Queen. Today we honor her and her remarkable life in a way that is fitting of the royalty that she was, in a way that attempts to do justice to everything she accomplished. Because while The Queen may be dead, her legacy will live on for generations to come.
This is your Friday open thread.