My English mother pointed out in photographs of the late Queen Elizabeth II that they were only five years apart.
One commented, “She’s gone quite gray, hasn’t she?” She is five years younger than me.
One person said that she still has lovely skin. Yes, she is five years younger than me.
It is possible that the death of Queen Elizabeth will bring full realization to our own remarks over the years, that she is the only Queen I have ever known.
She was five years older than that. It would happen.
Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Scotland and Ireland to show their respect for the fallen soldier. The images being broadcast show a family publicly exposed in their grief, receiving a lot of support from strangers that grieve along with them. I can’t imagine that in my mother’s passing. I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose a parent that the entire world knows.
While my mother was living in England, she witnessed a young girl abdicate the throne. After his brother abdicated, her father was humiliated and thrust upon the throne. I used to hear my mother say, “It was so painful to hear his speeches.” Your heart bled for him because he was so hard to speak to.
Just six days after leaving her beloved father behind as Princess Elizabeth left with Phillip for a tour of Africa, word came that he had died. The newsreels show her stepping off the plane with a small figure draped in black mourning.
I think that the huge amount of respect that we now see comes from a place that recognizes a life devoted to dignified service, a life she was never meant to live, especially at such a fragile, young age. To me, she dedicated herself to honoring her father’s example, after watching her father dedicate himself to his unexpected role as king.
Now Charles, as King Charles III, appearing more vulnerable than we have ever seen him, has spoken of being bereft in his grief for his mother, and assured his country, speaking with conviction, of his intention to honor her.
I will strive to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life, wherever you may reside in the United Kingdom or in the world.
Many have wondered what kind of king he will be. He’s already a good one.