A quick run-through noting some snippets that perhaps had
escaped you regarding this genuine realist and pragmatist … who accepts the role as Her Majesty, the Queen, and gets on with the Challenges … even after 90
years of living, and over 64 years of reigning … a stupendous achievement.
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| Her Majesty, The Queen (pre 2016) ... is that her handsome Greek God husband - could be? |
1926 club – twenty fellow members joined by their date of birth … were introduced to the Queen …
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| The Queen greeting other 90 year olds marking their birthday |
... one of their group mentioned ‘we were all born in a lovely vintage year’ … all still going strong …
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| Sir David Attenborough - Broadcaster and Naturalist |
Part of that club is Sir David Frederick Attenborough, the naturalist, who is counted as a national treasure … he turned 90 on 8 May 2016.
- Born in the silent movie era … and the Charleston dance era …
- Became Queen when butter was still rationed – 1951
- Now there are three Kings in waiting …
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| Hard Rock Cafe, London |
Born at the Hard Rock Café!! – when it was still 147 Piccadilly … where her parents lived, before her father became King …
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| As Prince Charming with Princess Margaret as Cinderella |
The Queen is a good mimic, has a good voice … but does not see
herself as a performer – she is herself …
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| Prince Charles with appropriate number plate, being 'admired' by his very blonde sister: Princess Anne |
Princess Anne with her mother … she’s taken a pivotal role within the Royal Family; she was so blonde as a child … platinum blonde …
Ballet
lessons – she had these as a child – which has helped hugely with her
posture, and health during her reign with all its demands …
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| Baby Pink Chyrsanthemum |
Baby-pink flower– The Princess Charlotte chrysanthemum, which is a delicate shade of pink with green tips … all sales by Waitrose will be donated to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices …
Bonfires … as beacons lit around the country for her birthday … bunting abounded … landmarks, towns, seaside haunts - all celebrated …
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| Nadiya Hussain with her cake for the Queen |
Cake – Orange Madeira drizzle cake – ten years ago the ‘easy to cut’ Women’s Institute Fruit Cake didn’t cut - the same mistake was not made this time – but I’d rather have a slice of fruit cake!
Nadiya Hussain had won the BBC British Bake Off … and so was asked to make a cake to celebrate … the blade sank comfortably and enticingly into the orange-packed lower tier … with a marmalade and butter cream filling …
Church bells rang out all around the shires of Great Britain …
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| The bond between mother and daughter |
E for
Ebullient … the Queen Mother was full of fun … inherited from
her large Bowes-Lyon family – and from which George VI learnt to relax and
appreciate being part of a large family, not the stuffy Royalty of George V …
… thus became a family man … passing on that trait to their
eldest child, Elizabeth … destined to become Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II … an exuberant,
ebullient happy upbringing for the future Queen …
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| Camera in hand ... |
… then she moved on to a cine camera, and became a proficient
user … as we can see from the relaxed film made available to those interested
to see (The Queen at 90) … the home movies she has shot span the generations of her family …
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| Sorry - not a very good photo I took from a paper: James, Viscount Severn, Lady Louise, Mia Tindall, Her Majesty holding Princess Charlotte, Savannah Phillips Prince George and Isla Phillips |
G for Great Granny – seven of the youngest in the Queen’s family were in one of the three official photos, by Annie Leibovitz, for her 90th …
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| advert for the Royal Windsor Horse Show that the Queen attends ... and loves. I wrote about the counter balance her horses bring to her life as The Queen |
King George inherited the Royal Stables … he wasn’t
interested, but kept them for the employment they gave and obviously the Queen
has, I’m sure, enhanced their reputation, while creating a thriving horse
business … she knows everything about her animals … absolutely everything, and
corrects people if they get something wrong!
H is for History … she is living our history for us …. our heritage and then the fairy tale that has followed her journey … from the Depression, to the War, her wedding and then the Coronation, been through the Beatles era, Football World Cup, fall of the Berlin Wall, Mandela being released, London Olympics, and so it goes on …
I for Icon … an overused word perhaps – but one so appropriate here for her Majesty … in this age of modernity … it is her old-fashioned values and steadfastness that have made her someone to be admired …
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| Joey - when he appeared at the Jubilee |
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| King Edward VII statue in Kings Lynn |
King’s Lynn – King Edward VII Academy in Kings Lynn, near Sandringham, the Queen’s home in Norfolk … the top student each year has an audience with the Queen …
… in 2015 it was Hannah Hodges, who was presented with the
Queen’s Gold Medal … after a gap year in France, putting her language skills
into practice … she will go to Oxford later this year.
Longest
reigning monarch at over 64 years – she would rather not have this accolade … so sad
because her father, aged 56, died so early and unexpectedly …
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| A fun take on the Seal of Approval for Marmite - the Corgi's quarding |
Personally - I love it!
Number of Engagements: 350 a year … but now delegating some … Investitures and Overseas Visits …
… she’s seen off 11 Prime Ministers … with David Cameron as
her present Prime Minister …
Obamas … who was more surprised Michelle or Barack as they were driven away by the Duke of Edinburgh to lunch with the Queen … the chauffeur was ‘normal’: elderly chap, raincoat, looking vaguely familiar … driving his wife, Her Majesty, with their guests to lunch!
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| Remember that jump? - Olympic Games Opening Ceremony 2012: Daniel Craig, James Bond, escorting Her Majesty to her jump |
Olympic parachute jump … to open the 2012 London Olympic Games … we will all remember that historic moment …
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| Yes - even a gas meter ... draw a Poet Laureate in to write an ode ... |
Poet Laureate – to the Tower of London … Carol Ann Duffy refused to write a birthday verse for Her Majesty … instead she wrote an ode to gas meters … for her labours she gets £5,750 per annum, plus a ‘butt of sherry’ in a tradition going back to the 17th century – that’s 720 bottles …
Queenmobile
–
a new Range Rover … with more standing room and an electric motor to allow it
to cruise silently and slowly without exhaust fumes ….
Rabbit Fur … the Duke felt the fur on a Councillor’s robe and said “I can smell the mothballs!” … he’s got such a wonderful sense of humour …
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| Spring-Grass Green outfit |
Side of
road - the Queen walks one side, while the Duke of Edinburgh does the
other side of the road – ensuring the crowds don’t feel left out …
T for
Thrifty – still using the same tea-cups as her father used before the
War.
Tea on Windsor Castle Terrace … her father, the Queen Mother, the
two Princesses … all hid under the tea table … until President Eisenhower with
his visitors … had disappeared on their guided presidential tour!!
Tribute –
the
Queen’s cousin, Margaret Rhodes, who fought back tears as she says of the Queen’s
much adored father, George VI: “I hope
you know how proud the King would be of you if he was able to tell you. Because I think you have carried out your
duties as Queen, as to be beyond belief.”
United
Kingdom general strike of 1926 … this lasted 9 days, starting 2
weeks after the Queen was born …
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| St Crispin pub - the patron saint of Cobblers .... appropriate as Waymarker 22 on the Windsor Walkway |
Visitors visited … they came from around the world to stand and stare ... but also importantly to be there … some had met and become friends, re-met up at this their next royal gathering …
Walkabout in Windsor … it was the Queen and Prince Philip in New Zealand in 1970, who initiated the royal walkabouts … they continued thereafter … relaxing ... leaving the Palace old guard aghast at the idea of the Queen talking to people …
House of
Windsor – 2016 marks 100 years of its creation …
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| One of the new Waymarkers |
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| Prince Charles and Princess Anne at the beach in Norfolk (photo by me!) |
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| As Queen of the Commonwealth |
Zambia – a member of the Commonwealth of Nations – as the old Commonwealth is now called … which her Majesty heads up the 53 countries in the Commonwealth … and which means much to the Queen …
… Z for the Zee End nearly … the Commonwealth has kept her alive and given them status in the world …
Her greatest attribute is however to be curious … forever interested in others … her pattern of life may not change, but the family changes, the country changes, the world changes … her life is rich in knowledge …
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| This booklet is a tribute for Her Majesty's birthday that I spotted ... they are not for re-sale, but come in packs of 10 ... so can be given out: which I've done. It has been issued by the Bible Society. |
But most importantly – she is The Servant Queen and the King she serves … she knows just how much she relies on her faith to guide her through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning.
… Zoots -
Shakespeare shall have the last word:
from Antony and Cleopatra, 1606:
“Age
cannot wither her, nor custom stale …”
... adding to that - having just listened to some of The Queen's Speech (18 May 2016) at The Opening of Parliament ... she read it clearly, no lurching through, no problems with her eyesight ... also to do that with the Crown on her head - that's one heavy headgear! She appears in rude health.
... adding to that - having just listened to some of The Queen's Speech (18 May 2016) at The Opening of Parliament ... she read it clearly, no lurching through, no problems with her eyesight ... also to do that with the Crown on her head - that's one heavy headgear! She appears in rude health.
Windsor Express - discovering the highlights of the Queen's Walkways ... all 63 places with their plaques ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
71 comments:
Despite feeling that it is time Australia became a Republic, I am so impressed by the Queen. She has a job I don't envy, and performs it with grace and style. With no time off.
I think that the privacy of being a commoner far outweighs that of being a member of a royal family, where the intrusion of press and public must be an awful burden at times.
Hi Hilary, what a wonderful post, many bits I did not know. She is an amazing woman and has done a fantastic job which must be on of the most difficult in the world. Very little privacy and every move of her life has been followed and will continue to do so.
Have a good day Diane
I remember that Olympic event.
Her place of birth is now a Hard Rock cafe. That's hilarious.
We never hear much about princess Anne here. It's always about Charles.
Wow, so much information and I enjoyed reading and learning a few new things. I did enjoy watching the celebrations last Sunday evening - all the beautiful horses. Thanks, Hilary.
@ EC - I can understand your desire to rule yourselves. She does impress still doesn't she and exactly has a job none of us would wish to have - all that goldfish life ...
@ Mel - the intrusion of the press is pretty horrid and ongoing ... so I agree I'm happy being a commoner!
@ Diane - thanks so much ... snippets about the Crown ... and the Queen has done an amazing job for her country. Even now ... she continues on without apparently wilting ... and being interested in the people she meets.
@ Alex - I think we all remember that Olympic event ... and I liked the fact about the Hard Rock Cafe ... does make one laugh doesn't it. Princess Anne is around - her daughter Zara often features ... as she competes in Show Jumping events ... and Anne does fill in ... particularly in Scotland. Charles will be King - so that's logic I suspect ...
@ Suzanne - thanks so much ... yes I enjoyed the Royal Windsor Horse Show last weekend ... stunning horses and seeing where they'd all come from. The Queen loved the horses and she was totally engaged when they were in the arena ...
Cheers to you all - so glad you appreciated the snippets - Hilary
Oh Hilary what a fabulous and delightful abecedarium! I learned so many interesting things in this fascinating peek into your Queen's life.
What a wonderful tribute to the Queen! Many facts I did not know. Did you know President Eisenhower came from my home state of Kansas in the USA? She seems like a delight!!
It's very interesting to hear a British person speak of the queen...we only get what our press says over here! Loved all the photos....what a long life and long reign she has had!
I learnt a few things here! I'm a soft royalist - I don't flag-wave and queue to see them, but I'm glad they're there. I don't like Marmite though :-)
Oh I absolutely love the Queen - she's everything that Royalty should be! This post was particularly intersting for me as we get so little news and photos in our papers about the Windsors these days so this was a delight for me to read!
Fascinating collection of information, Hilary. I'm also a Marmite fan, seems you either love it or hate it.
Thanks for such an interesting post, Hilary! I learned much! Cheers, Denise
I really enjoyed that tribute to the Queen. Surviving to that honourable age is a feat. My mother named me (middle name) after her, so impressed was she by the young queen of England. So though I became annoyed at the royalty during the Diana debacle, I still like the queen.
It's Camilla I can't stomach, and I don't care much for Charles any more. I was a collector of royal memorabilia before Diana's death. I also liked Edward, who abdicated and fell for the horrible Wallis Simpson. . .I read the book about their relationship. Perhaps William and his young family will fix the damage done by Charles and Camilla.
@ Deborah – so pleased you enjoyed the abecedarium with the snippets I posted …
@ Paula – so pleased to see you … and that there were somethings you didn’t know. No – I didn’t know President Eisenhower came from Kansas … thanks for telling me. Certainly the Queen must have a lovely personality …
@ Betsy – that’s good – and I’m sure I put a different spin on our Queen compared to the media. So pleased the photos had approval! A good range .. and yes she’s lived a long time as well as reigned so long too ..
@ Annalisa – that’s good to read … I wouldn’t flag-wave or queue to see them … but I’ve been to Buckingham Palace and I’d like to go to Windsor one day … Sorry about the marmite!
@ Judy – lovely to see you … and I’m so pleased this passed muster. I imagine you get even less news now-a-days in the SA papers … so I’m pleased I added a little for you to read.
@ Ian – many thanks … I expect you’ve forgotten quite a few things, now you’re living in Canada. Good – a marmite fan.
@ Denise – thanks for coming by and I’m pleased you enjoyed the post and learnt some things …
@ DG – wonderful – I expect Elizabeths became very popular as a name … after her father became King, and thus she was heir apparent.
The Diana debacle was very unfortunate … Charles has a lot more to him than he’s given credit for … and at least everyone is happy now – that’s important. I hope Royalty will survive – there’s so much history tied up in it and we’d lose lots …
Marmite polarises, as too the Royals …
Cheers to you all – and thanks for visiting - Hilary
How interesting that her birthplace is the Hard Rock Cafe. Thanks for all the info on the queen.
Fascinating and impressive, Hilary. I never knew the queen liked photography, for instance! She really has become a legend in her own lifetime. Thanks for all this great information. I agree that the best thing is her curiosity. That will keep her going for sure!
That was quite an amazing post the A to Z. You definitely put a lot of effort into this as it was so informative. Thank you for sharing all these interesting tidbits.
Well, you have just taught me things I should have known but didn't! Lots of lovely bits of trivia in there too. This must have taken you ages to compile, but it certainly was well worth the effort.
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Such a lovely lady to celebrate
@ Natalie - I know the Hard Rock Cafe stands out even more ... glad you enjoyed the post.
@ Val - well I didn't know about the photography 'thing' either ... so it was an interesting snippet. She is a beacon of light in our world. She is curious and as you say will keep her going .. good to see you.
@ Truedessa - many thanks .. it's sometimes easier to put out a lot of information this way - well I find it so. I'm happy you enjoyed it.
@ Keith - I feel that way too .. but I don't go chasing information on the Queen or Royals any more than you do, I suspect. Appreciate your comment though ... it makes it worth it ...
@ Keith - she is one special Lady ..
Cheers to you all - and have good weeks - Hilary
She does indeed have style and grace and has seen much tragedy in her life. Hilary, I enjoyed this look at the Queen so much. Thanks.
She's ruled a long time. And she's been married a long time. Elizabeth is doing something right.
Excellent post! The Queen always has the nicest outfits. I like her spring green one.
I admire her.....
I think she's an amazing woman.
Britain's longest reigning monarch? I didn't know that!
A beautiful and fascinating post. I greatly admire the woman, and I am proud to have her name as my middle name.
She is an amazing woman. We admire her from the other side of the Atlantic.
Love this post ! The Queen is an exceptional very intelligent woman, who went with her time and adapted to all difficult situations in her life perfectly.
@ Mason - yes she has had tragedy in her life ... thanks for enjoying the post.
@ Diane - she has been on the throne a long time, as well as married for 68 years so far ... She is doing a few things right: thankfully ...
@ Sherry - so glad you like her Spring green outfit here - and yes she is always well dressed.
@ Beste - couldn't agree more ...
@ Misha - she has made the most of her life, and enhanced ours in many ways ...
@ Karen - so glad you enjoy the post and the tidbits ...
@ Dianne - probably the longest reigning monarch ever ... actually no - if she lives and reigns til she's 98 then she have reigned longer than any other major country in European history ... she has today surpassed the claimed reign of James Stuart (the "Old Pretender") ...
@ Christine - so pleased you enjoyed the post .. thank you. That's another Elizabeth ... there must be lots of you ... I failed that test - but my mother's middle name was Elizabeth ...
@ Susan - yes many admire her from afar ...
@ Gattina - that's good and yes she has come through some trials and tribulations ...
Cheers to you all - and thanks for the extra snippets - Hilary
The Queen deserves all admiration given to her. 64 years! I recall my mother driving home when the radio announced the birth of Edward.
Marmite...I remember that well. We lived in Ireland for a few years; an Australian friend shared Marmite with me. Now I can buy it here in California.
Loved this post! Such endearing alphabet facts about a unique Queen.
What a trip through the Queen's life this was. I loved seeing her with her grandchildren and look at the way she still eyes that handsome consort!
As usual, I stayed a while here today and enjoyed my time learning more about your national treasures. They sure beat ours. I'm afraid we're stuck with Hilary.
Amazing lady! Unparalleled dignity, grace and devotion to duty.
This was a delightful post, got to learn so many things I did not know - esp loved that bit about Princess Anne and her mother being on such close terms, too cute!
Wow, what a life! I was always impressed by her work during WWII as well.
Very cool, Hilary! I love the old photos too.
I love everything about our Queen Elizabeth. I love that she is my Queen. I love the way she and Philip look at each other. I love your blog. There was a time lapse video going around FB that showed her from a baby to 90 years old. I have been trying to copy it to my computer to no avail.
A wealth of intriguing history! Thanks, Hilary.
She is just a class act all around, and I'm so pleased that she's keeping up well in sturdy shoes. I'm sure she has a nice sense of humor. Excellent post and I wish her well from TX.
Interesting alphabet post Hilary. Ever wonder what she would have done with her life had she not become queen?
You just made the Queen sound so approachable. I especially love the photo with the camera. And I'm officially doubly jealous that my husband has not only traveled to England more times than I can count (for work), but that he's been to that Hard Rock. I had no idea the Hard Rock was in a historical building, and the birth place of the Queen.
@ Susan – thanks and for that memory with your mother and the birth of Prince Edward. I love marmite – it’s a staple … so pleased you enjoyed the post …
@ Lee – thanks so much and yes I hadn’t realised it was her hubby she was eyeing up .. but I think it is. So pleased you felt you wanted to stick around and read the snippets that I provide – sort of vaguely up to scratch … still my reputation has to be maintained as the provider of informative tidbits … thank you!
@ Nila – lovely words you’ve used … and I’m happy I gave you a few things you hadn’t realised … her closeness with Princess Anne is just lovely isn’t it: a true mother-daughter relationship.
@ Mark – yes I didn’t mention her participation in the War effort … she certainly got stuck in … and says she remembers some of those skills – I don’t know much about what happens under a bonnet (where the engine is!).
@ Holly – that’s great to read you particularly enjoyed the photos …
@ Joylene – that’s wonderful you’re such a Royalist … she does reign over Canada. Isn’t that first photo lovely … thanks Joylene so much ... that made me very happy. I found this clip of the Queen’s life in 90 secs … not sure if it’s the same one – very quick!
@ Liza – glad you enjoyed it … it certainly is history.
@ Joanne – she’s always been really sensibly dressed … but considers standing as one of the things that’s helped her keep going … good posture: hence strong skeleton. They look like they have fun and make life fun within the family …
@ Donna – many thanks … apparently she’d have had a stud farm ... as she’s excellent at that now … many experts say she’s right up there with them already … so horses would be her livelihood.
@ Shannon – I’m sure she is approachable … just we never seem to get that close. It’s funny having the Hard Rock Café as where the Queen lived pre-War … I think you should hitch your bandwagon to one of your husband’s trips … and have a holiday here sometime …soon?!
Thanks so much … I’m happy you’ve enjoyed the read – cheers Hilary
Lovely summary of what has been a feast of history these past months, Hilary. My own mother, 90 last September, can be heard to say, "I am only a few months older," A little known fact is that, as a child, I fondly thought my mother was the Queen. To me they looked the same, same hair style, same coat (in my eyes). I really thought that was mum on the black and white TV screen. Mind you, I thought her best friend was Julie Andrews. I mean, I didn't just think they looked like these people, to me, it was fact. Strangely, I never thought of myself as a princess or wondered how she came to be Queen...now there's a fact for you LOL!
A great read Hilary. Obviously lots of hard research on your part. I was outside the Hard Rock Cafe in Piccadilly last weekend; had no idea about it's royal connection!
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I never really knew much about the Queen, so this is fabulous! Thanks.
Oh, what a fun lot of queen trivia. I really like her. You probably nailed it--the curiosity... I think she also has a sense of fun, which isn't what a person envisions in a monarch, but she seems game to poking fun at things (that parachuting into the Olympics is a perfect example).
I love all these tidbits about the Queen. I've always been fascinated by the royal family. Love the thought of those cheese souffle dinners and what the conversation must be like.
@ Debbie - yes ... the elderly counted things down too - my mother was a little older than Prince Philip (she wanted to live to 100 - I'm happy she didn't in the circumstances (bedridden)) - but certainly Royalty is important to them - it's our history.
Your family history seemingly has some good memories ... if your Mama was Queen!! I didn't have those sorts of thoughts ... as I was away at school ... so tv at home was a rarity. What fun memories though ... I'd have loved to have been the gamine Audrey Hepburn ... such is life!! But I think I'm happy being out of the limelight ...
@ Bazza - thanks ... I pick up bits and pieces as I go along and then pull the post together. Funny isn't it about the Hard Rock Cafe!! I love that part of Piccadilly ... walking down past Green Park ... towards 'London life' ...
@ Chrys - ok that's great ... there are a few other posts on the Royals over the years on the blog ...
@ Hart - thank you - she'd need to be curious about everything and everyone else to keep her interest aroused ... she can't sit on her laurels! That's great you can sense that they have a great sense of humour ... and the Olympics parachute jump will definitely be a clip that will run and run ...
@ Lynn - that's lovely to read ... and I enjoy seeing a little below the surface (not intruding) .. but finding out what makes them tick or give them a bit of a life beyond dressing up ... I bet the Queen just let her hair down with Princess Anne ... and I love Cheese Souffle ...
Cheers and I'm so glad you've been happy reading these snippets ... Hilary
These were just small snippets but so fascinating and a lovely tribute to such a lovely person, the Queen. Your photo of Prince Charles and Princess Anne is something! How did you happen to get that shot?
What a lovely lady, the very personification of dignity. If only all heads of state were as inspiring!
What an amazing life and such long service. She has been the only queen most people remember in their lifetimes, and that's something to behold. From here in the U.S., we watch every time the palace events are televised. I remember Obama said recently that the queen is one of his most favorite people. Great, educational post, Hilary. Thank you.
Wow! I really learned a lot about the Queen! I thought I knew a bit about her before, but there seems to be lots to learn! Loved learning how much ballet has helped her in her role. :) Thanks for sharing!
~Jess
Hi human, Hilary,
What an interesting way to highlight the Queen. For a woman of 180 years old, I think I got that right because she seems to have two birthdays in one year, she appears remarkably resilient.
My human, Gary, has told me has turned down several knighthoods because he doesn't want the label.
Thank you for your insightful pawst, my kind human friend.
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny
You hear so little about her husband. I think the queen is fascinating. She's very lovely too.
@ Karen - thanks so much ... it's easier to write these; the photo of Princess Anne and Charles in his car - were from a newspaper - I iphoned!
@ Crystal - oh I agree ... she is as you say - the personification of dignity ...
@ Silva - it's been an amazingly long time - but a blessing for us Brits. Yes - it's interesting that most of us have known life since the War ... and along with that period is the Queen reigning and showcasing our history. The Royals and the Obamas seem to have a wonderful rapport.
@ Jess - I'm sure there's lots more to find out - but these were mostly unknown to me .. or not public before. So glad you enjoyed the post - and the fact about ballet ... that was interesting ...
@ Penny - good to see you. Yes she's 180 - with two birthdays every year! However ... you can't be knighted - you're female ... so you'd be Dame Penny ... Gary could be Sir Gary ... but as you say he wouldn't accept anyway!
@ Rosey - mostly we don't hear much about the Duke - but I'll write something up for him for his 95th in a few weeks ...
Thanks so much - lovely to see you all here and to have your comments - Hilary
@ Karen - where's my education? the photo was from a newspaper!
Cheers and this will teach me to read through before I post! Hilary
Wow! Awesome and interesting post on our Monarch. Loved this post Hilary.
Do you think the Queen was whispering "next, get rid of that Trump" to Bond under her breath? I would like to think so.
Lovely post.
Greetings from London.
cool shot by you of the prince and princess! the horse puppet is very neat. and i'd love a slice of her cake. yum!
@ Nas - so glad you enjoyed the snippets ... that's great.
@ ACIL - I wonder what they do say in private ... but "To the Tower" may well come up often .. yes Trump - oh dear ...
@ Theresa - thanks - typical children .. and I love the War Horse puppet - such a great invention. Yes - the orange Madeira drizzle cake does look good .. and at least she could cut into it!
Thanks so much - cheers Hilary
Wonderful tribute, Hilary. My goodness, I had no idea there was a Hard Rock Cafe now where she was born!
I love that idea of the head student having an audience with the Queen. I love these old small traditions that aren't discussed much. I wish everyone realised the value of them.
A butt is 720 bottles?! I had no idea. Funny, I guess they figure poets need to be kept well lubricated...
Butter was rationed? Yikes! My mother would've been so upset. Lucky for me I use margarine. Seeing those geese remind me of the movie Hot Fuzz :)
A wonderful post, Hilary!
I loved it and all the photos
Many thanks for the kind words on my last post!
My dear sister Terri that has AlS has Elizabeth as her middle name!
What a fascinating post, Hilary! I thoroughly enjoyed it. (However, I STILL haven't acquired a taste for Marmite...)
Australia will never become a Republic while the Queen rules. Loved your post. We don't hear much about Princess Anne. No doubt she's a great person. Seems very matter of fact. Fancy being alive as long as the Queen. So much history and she has made so much herself.
Denise :-)
@ Deniz - it's funny what some London buildings have become ... still I expect the Royals laugh too ... thanks re the note on the student - I agree it's a great idea isn't it.
Thanks re the note on how valuable the small quirks of tradition are ... they all add up to much in our British history. That butt of sherry is another quirk of tradition ... but is it deserved for a poem on gas meters?!
@ Elsie - there was lots of rationing for us ... they were finally lifted in 1954 ... many of us today would be upset - I love butter. Oh I haven't seen that film .. but I liked the photo of the geese admiring the plaques ...
@ Margie - thanks so much ... and so glad to see you and that you enjoyed the photos and pockets of little notes.
So difficult for your sister and her family and you all .. but I do wish everyone the best and easiest route through with the disease. That's great she has Elizabeth as her middle name ...
@ Susan - so pleased you enjoyed the snippets - except Marmite ... it's either love or hate isn't it ... I'm on the love it side.
@ Denise - yes I think that's right Australia will remain as she is under the Queen. Princess Anne, seems to be very down to earth, competed in various equestrian events - including the 1976 Olympics ... she did not get a medal: though her daughter Zara did win a silver medal as part of the British Eventing team at the London Olympics ...
I know - many of us will live to be 90 ... my mother made it and other members of the family have outlived 90 ... so we'll see how far I get!
Cheers to you all and thanks so much for adding to the post - Hilary
What a wonderful post and a heartfelt tribute, Hilary! Thank you! There would have been enough material here for a couple of dozen posts done by mere mortal bloggers.;)I'm not a huge royal family fan, but I have great respect for the hard work the Queen does, especially when I remember she's only a year younger than my dad and I see the challenges he copes with stoically. I loved that first photo at the top of the post where she's smiling at the Duke and was intrigued to see how many great grandchildren she has.
Thanks Janice ... well I know - but how do you write just one or two things about the Queen ... and everyone seems to like the eclectic snippets and photos that I will put in to these long posts.
That first photo is a lovely one isn't it - it's heart-warming ... thankfully the family seems to have settled down and as it does for many of us as we get older some of the difficulties happen away ... and leave some peace for them.
The grandchildren and great grandchildren are giving her, and us, a fun base to watch as they grow ... The Prince is a year older than my mother would have been - and it's wonderful some, like your father, can still be with us.
Lovely to see you and adding to the post ... cheers Hilary
Loved reading your posting so much that I did not know! She's an amazing Lady!!!! Thank you Hilary...
I don't think this was a very long post at all. Very informative and fun to read. But that's to be expected from you. :)
I learned so many interesting things with this post.
@ Ana - that's good that you enjoyed the snippets ... and she is one amazing lady.
@ Jeffrey - many thanks there was a lot, but how can there not be when we're talking about the Queen and her long reign. So glad you found the post informative and fun ... much appreciated.
Cheers to the two of you - Hilary
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