A simple post today as we ease towards the 'The Final Journey for Her Majesty', RIP Queen Elizabeth II.
She died in Balmoral, Scotland … giving us an opportunity to understand a little more of our ancient history.
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| Portrait by Julian Calder |
The Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland.
This is a magnificent photo by Julian Calder, who specialises in portraits … here is Her Majesty up in the heathered landscaped above Balmoral so beloved by her, dressed in the Order of Thistle raiment.
Julian Calder photographer ...
Information on the Order of the Thistle ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
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27 comments:
I have been thinking quite a lot about King James II recently. He had a tough life, but at least his Order survives.
That is a magnificent photo - but that raiment looks heavy and uncomfortable - as her life of duty no doubt often was.
Lovely photo indeed of a lovely woman who will be missed
I'm not much for royalty, but she was an exception. I admire her for her strength, her devotion to duty, her service to her country and its people. She had a wicked sense of humor, I read. And of course, she loved her dogs and her horses, something that means a lot to me. And then she lived and served for such a very long time. I know she will be very much missed.
Great portrait.
Years ago, when we were in Edinburgh, we took a tour along the Royal Mile which stopped at Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, and St. Giles Cathedral, where the Order of the Thistle has a private chapel (which we were nevertheless allowed to see). There was a more formal portrait of Her Majesty in there. Quite impressive...
@ Hels - yes the Scottish connection is fascinating relativity to our Monarchy today ... James II as King of England and Ireland, as James VII of Scotland ...
@ Sue - thank you the photo is superb... sadly this iphone image didn't do it justice ... I think all those noble robes must be heavy, yet keeping them warm at times of cold.
@ Jo-Anne - thank you ...
@ Inger - yes I remember you're not that thrilled with royalty ... so appreciate you are here for this day. Yes - she did love her horses and dogs ... her love for animals showed in her knowledge. She will be missed ...
@ Liz - thank you ...
@ John - so pleased you and Mary visited Edinburgh and were able to see the Cathedral and other major areas of Edinburgh. How very fortunate you were able to see the Thistle Chapel - looking at it on the net ... it looks wonderful. Interesting to see her portrait in the Chapel.
Thanks so much to you all for visiting ... this image doesn't do John Calder's photography justice ... but I loved it! Appreciate your comments, thank you - Hilary
A great portrait of an amazing woman. I thought it was so nice she was able to spend her final days in Balmoral, a place she loved so much.
That's a beautiful photo of her.
Many parts of the world beyond your country are mourning and showing respect for the late queen. The massive event of her passing the funeral is astounding. It will be odd to think of our friends across the pond without her there.
Next time we visit Scotland, we'll have to stop at Balmoral.
An amazing life, amazing queen. The Queen. Enormous respect for her across the world.
@ Elizabeth - yes ... as it happens the timing couldn't have been better - being able to have the Scottish part of the transition has been interesting. She did love her Balmoral. Thanks - we're in upheaval mode.
@ Alex - I loved the photo - thank you ...
@ Susan - yes the world, almost all if it, has paid their respect for our Queen. It has been an interesting time and we seem to be ready to move forward ... I hope peacefully and happily ... I live in hope!
@ Diane - I heard it mention that Charles is thinking of turning Balmoral into a museum ... which I imagine will be a site of interest - so I hope you can get over to visit.
Cheers to the four of you - thanks for visiting - Hilary
Wonderful portrait for a magnificent queen.
Thanks for sharing.
I've shed tears for Queen Elizabeth, the family, etc. Thanks for this post and some history. I knew I could count on you.
She was what I equated to a monarch. I'm sad that's gone.
I think WP dumped my subscription to your blog. Why do they keep doing that???
Hope you're having a great one, Hils.
@ Nila - apologies just rescued your comment ... yes there certainly seems to be enormous respect for her ... as I most definitely had, and I feel Charles has started well ... we need some sense and sensibility and a balance for our government ...
@ Sandra - I loved the portrait - my iphone picture doesn't do it justice. Glad you enjoyed it ...
@ Joanne - I know ... I've been welling up ... but am happy you've enjoyed the little I've been sharing ...
@ Jacqui - yes I'm sad that balance has gone, where her views given each week to the Prime Minister I hope are taken on board and considered.
I've emailed re your WP dump - I just make a plan to visit others ... but it's just so irritating when we (in this case me) lose readers ... I must do some investigating to search for answers for myself, and will let you know.
Cheers Hilary
Like that photo
Have a grand weekend, Hils.
Cheers,
Wow, that is a magnificent portrait, Hilary.
An impressive painting! I assume she wasn’t actually posing outdoors for this?
@ Haddock - yes I thought the photo was amazing ... and wonderful to see the garments of the Order of the Thistle ...
@ Sandra - thank you ... I did have a good weekend ...
@ Denise - I certainly thought it was worthy of being shown here ,,,
@ Sue - I gather she was actually posing on the hills above Balmoral for this photograph ... obviously a few years ago, when she was still healthy ... that's what the photographer mentioned ...
Thanks to all of you ... we are now in Autumn in more ways than one - cheers! Hilary
That is quite the portrait! Love that shade of green!
~Jess
Hi Jess - I just loved the photo ... the actual clothes and richness of them as well as that heathery green - so pleased you enjoyed it too - cheers Hilary
That's a wonderful photo. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.
Hi Deniz - thanks ... it was a photo I thought was brilliant ... glad you enjoyed it - cheers Hilary
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