Queen Elizabeth II - 90th Birthday

The Queen Mother with the then Princess Elizabeth, 1937

Happy 90th Birthday to Queen Elizabeth II.

This week seems to be one of anniversaries, some good and some bad. The 200th anniversary of the birth of Charlotte Bronte, the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare who is believed to have died on what would have been his 52nd birthday, and of course, the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest reigning monarch. Which is perhaps all the more remarkable because she was not born to be Queen.

In the beginning
Princess Elizabeth in her pram in 1929

I understand that not everyone believes that having a monarchy rather than a republic benefits ordinary people. But I do. Having been born in a country without monarchy and now lived more than half of my life in Britain I have seen what differences there are and I prefer the royals, for better or for worse. It is a misunderstanding to believe that getting rid of a monarchy will make it's citizens more equal. All that will happen is that the castles will fall down or be lived in by politicians without any sense of duty or history.

Princess Elizabeth aged 7, 1933
Philipe de Laszlo

Sure, they do live a privileged life and perhaps some of them do not live up to the expectations of what the public thinks a royal should be - but the Queen has devoted her life to her people and her country and she has worked hard and long making sacrifices.  I admire her greatly. I think that she has grace, something lacking in so many celebrities and politicians. I've seen many behind the scenes things which the royal family do for ordinary people that would not resonate as much if a politician carried out these deeds.

And anyway who wants a collection of political memorabilia when you can have a royal collection?

  
There is nothing like a crown, as I am certain William Shakespeare would agree.

Queen Elizabeth I,
Coronation portrait by unknown artist
National Gallery London

 

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

 
 Some of my favourite moments, and portraits in the long life of Queen Elizabeth II.

Formal portrait by William Dargie

By David Poole

The official Diamond Jubilee portrait

 

Riding down the course before racing
at Royal Ascot 1961

 

Riding in Windsor Great Park

Epsom Derby Meeting, with the Queen Mother.
"I told you that would win!"

Daniel Craig picks her up!
(under the watchful eyes of those Corgies)

The Queen's homebred fily Estimate wins the
Ascot Gold Cup for her.

If you enjoy the momarchy you might like to read two other posts about them.

The story of how we went to London to see the Queen on the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, 
Here:

And you can read about The Sport of Kings, Here:

CELEBRATIONS ~ The Diamond Jubilee Long Weekend

Downing Street decorated for the Diamond Jubilee
photo from the Prime Minister's Office



Diamond Jubilee Decorations in our village

The official logo

There are some things in life which you know you will only have the privilege to witness once. We should not miss them.

Having always loved history, and especially British history I feel privilged to be here for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

For a nation who normally show reserve it is heartwarming to see how so many are celebrating and have made the effort to show their support for their monarchy, their families, friends and neighbours - and their country. 

Cities, towns and villages are decorated like I've never seen them. On Sunday there are fetes all over Britain where people will be sharing food, drinks and good company with neighbours and friends at picnics and street parties. Grandmothers have been asked to share their secret recipes for trifle and the Pimms will be ready. Gardens are in full bloom and hopefully the sun will shine for everyone.

It all kicks off on Saturday with her usual visit to The Derby where Her Majesty is always warmly welcomed by the racegoers. Well, it is, after all, The Sport of Kings. (And Queens, of course!)  And who should win it this year? The Queen does not have a runner in the race this year but should the favourite Camelot win, it would be quite an appropriate name in this Diamond Jubilee year.

The Queen celebrating a winner at Epsom on Derby day. Photo by Kent Gavin.

We feel sad to miss the celebrations in our own little village, but we're going to London on Sunday to see the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, which should be spectacular. Imagine the possibility of nearly 1,000 boats from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world with The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in the 'Gloriana', the Royal Barge as the centrepiece of the flotilla.  The flotilla will include Venetian gondolas, a Chinese dragon boat, kayaks, motorboats and a 19th century French trading ship. A million people are expected to line the riverbanks during the three-hour event. A sight like this has not been seen since 1662 when King Charles II used The Thames to introduce his country to his new bride, Queen ­Catherine of Braganza.

 Read more about the pageant here:

But this does not take anything away from the humble celebrations of Her Majesty's subjects.

Getting out the bunting!
Photo from the Daily Mail