A Constant Symbol in an Ever Changing World
Our nation mourns. The tear in Britain’s national fabric is felt across the land on a day that we all new would come, but could not prepare for.
On Thursday 8th September 2022, the sun set on the second Elizabethan age. The United Kingdom, its Realms and Commonwealth entered a period a mourning following the death of our most gracious Queen Elizabeth II.
Her Majesty passed away peacefully at her Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, with her family by her side. There is little to say about Queen Elizabeth II that hasn’t already been said but we wanted to gather and share our thoughts on Britain’s longest serving monarch.
In a matter of months, the UK has gone from celebrating 70 years of Elizabethan rule during the Platinum Jubilee to mourning the passing of our sovereign Queen. Doubtlessly two events that will show the world the best of British pageantry and culture, there is no other nation that does it like the UK. These two moments in history will underpin the nation’s reaction as we adapt to the greatest change in British public life for a generation.
The majority of people don’t know a world without the Queen, with only a select few who can remember the days of the last king, George VI. It is difficult to comprehend the changes and historical moments that have elapsed under the Queen’s reign but one thing remained constant, her unwavering devotion to her country and her subjects. To maintain that level of devotion for 70 years in an unrivalled achievement and solidifies Elizabeth II’s place in history as one of the greatest ever Britons. She personified duty and service and her presence is, and will continue to be, sorely missed by many around the globe.
Over the last decade, we have gained a greater insight into the Queen’s life and, in particular, her sense of humour. Like millions, I sat aghast when Her Majesty turned to greet James Bond, before boarding a helicopter and parachuting into the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012. Of course, who can forget her sharing a “ma’amalade” sandwich with Paddington Bear during the Jubilee, a timeless moment. Above all that, something that has echoed through nearly every interview about people’s personal memories is that no one could fail to feel the impact of her smile,
“Grief is the price we pay for love”
Moreover, Queen Elizabeth was a source of great comfort in times of need. Her address to the nation during the pandemic might be the greatest example of this in recent memory. Her promise that better times were ahead and that we would all meet again soon and be proud of our resilience, spurred on a distressed nation. Like her annual Christmas message, Her Majesty instinctively set the perfect tone for the nation. This Christmas will feel very different for millions.
In the days before her passing, the Queen formally asked Liz Truss MP, newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, to form a government in her name. Her Majesty had ushered in her fifteenth Prime Minister, a line that started with the iconic figure of Sir Winston Churchill in 1952. That, more than anything puts into perspective the expansive history of the Queen’s reign.
Queen Elizabeth II was a true friend of the USA having entertained, or been entertained by every American President during her reign, from Truman* to Biden, with the exception of Lyndon B Johnson. There are many stories that reflect Her Majesty’s fondness of the American people but none more so than her actions following the atrocities of 9/11.
In a break from protocol the day after those heinous events took place in New York City, the Queen commanded that the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ be played in place of the national anthem during the famous changing of the guards ceremony. The British people shared America’s pain and this gesture became front and centre of the UK’s response to her closest ally.
The Queen and her beloved Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh
The pain we now feel as a nation is testimony to Queen Elizabeth II’s devotion, service and being the ever-present constant in all our lives that bound generations together. Her Majesty said it best herself - grief is the price we pay for love.
As the sun set on the second Elizabethan age, the dawn of a new age began with the accession of King Charles III. His Majesty ascends to the throne having served the longest apprenticeship in the country’s history and becomes the oldest monarch to take the throne. The King has benefitted from his mother’s love, guidance and counsel and is better prepared than any other monarch and the British people are ready to support him.
As Prince of Wales, the King championed many causes and has been increasingly central to the ceremonial affairs of state. He will bring his own style to the crown but has already pledged his selfless devotion to his people, as his mother did before him. Through the King, we have seen a more human side of the Royal Family which I’m sure will endear his subjects to the cause.
The future: HM King Charles III, HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Prince George of Wales and HRH the Prince of Wales
Moments like this bring about reflections on the constitutional monarchy and how it evolves. It is only natural to do so. The British monarchy is one of the most successful in the world. The contribution the crown makes to Britain’s economy is unparalleled and will continue to be so. Most importantly, we must remember that the monarchy carries with it the symbolic element of the UK’s governance. Unlike other systems, such as the USA where the symbolic element often sits with the Executive branch, the British monarchy is the symbol of British values and civilisation, keeping it separate from elected representatives, meaning our national fabric is not pinned to the government, or leader, of the day.
It is right that a Prime Minister must atone on a weekly basis and be held accountable by the monarch. King Charles III now becomes that symbol and standard bearer for those who govern in his name.
The United Kingdom will mourn and celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s life as we enter a new age for Britain. Though our hearts may be heavy, we now say the words that haven’t been uttered for a generation:
God Save The King
For further reading, please visit our friend, Professor Jeremy Black MBE’s blog:
https://jeremyblackhistorian.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/the-queen.-service-with-honour-1.pdf
* The Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, was only 25 when she met President Truman, visiting the USA on behalf of her father, King George VI, who was in ill health.