25 replies to this topic

[Soaring]

I'll admit, I don't get the whole British Monarch thing, but I send my well wishes to the Brit folks here, and may the Queen continue to serve in good health! I wonder what the monarchy will look like 60 years from now...

Interesting that the only other Diamond Jubilee celebrated by a British monarch was in 1897 in the reign of Queen Victoria.

Quote

Diamond Jubilee: Queen celebrating 60-year reign

6 February 2012, BBC News

The Queen has visited a school in Norfolk as she marks the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

Earlier she said she was dedicating herself "anew to your service" and that she was "deeply moved" by support for the Diamond Jubilee.

The Queen was met by crowds at King's Lynn Town Hall before going to Dersingham Infant and Nursery School.

Gun salutes were held around the UK, including in London and Edinburgh.

The main celebrations for her anniversary will be in June.

The Queen, 85, usually spends Accession Day - the day her father, George VI, died in 1952 - privately but this year has the two engagements in Norfolk.

Two official photographs were released and a 41-gun salute was held in Hyde Park, London, followed by a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.

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Edited by Soaring, 06 February 2012 - 01:14 PM.

[RobH]

She's on Twitter, don't you know:

https://twitter.com/#!/Queen_UK

But seriously, 60 years, 13 Prime Ministers, 1 Queen. Happy Anniversary indeed!

[Alexjc]

Yeah...Big ups to QEII...Still it IS a sad day for her as she remembers her beloved father.

Edited by Alexjc, 06 February 2012 - 01:44 PM.

[Olympian2004]

She looks amazing for almost 86 years -- and so I think she will have many happy years to come. All the best, Your Majesty!

[Soaring]

RobH, on 06 February 2012 - 01:33 PM, said:

She's on Twitter, don't you know:

https://twitter.com/#!/Queen_UK

But seriously, 60 years, 13 Prime Ministers, 1 Queen. Happy Anniversary indeed!

Just four more years, and three Prime Ministers to break the monarch record. Do you ever imagine her relinquishing the crown in the event her health becomes too poor?

Edited by Soaring, 06 February 2012 - 01:57 PM.

[RobH]

Do I see it? No, she's always said she'll never abdicate, and I think she'll want to make sure that's the case.

I'd rather she did if she became too frail though. Not that I'm a religious person at all, but seeing the last Pope struggling towards the end was really sad.

If she's anything like her Mum though, she's got a good few years yet.

Edited by RobH, 06 February 2012 - 02:08 PM.

[Alexjc]

I believe she could end up being a centenarian monarch, as she is very healthy and active. However as mentioned (with the Pope), she will be monarch in name only as her son would be taking up the heavier duties as of this year and if she does make it to a ton, her grandson would be all but ready to rule. (Prince Charles will only have a short reign.)

[Soaring]

Whenever the U.S. has gatherings with British royalty, some protocol is always broken.

What are British views when these things come up. Do they think we are just ignorant, or that the traditions are "over the top"?

[krow]

nothing makes my pot boil over like when royal protocol is broken. it's loathsome.

[Ripley]

Soaring, on 06 February 2012 - 02:53 PM, said:

Whenever the U.S. has gatherings with British royalty, some protocol is always broken.

What are British views when these things come up. Do they think we are just ignorant, or that the traditions are "over the top"?

I find it more interesting that people from other countries think your average Brit gives a toss about breaches of protocol such as a friendly guiding arm on the queen's back. The Queen doesn't even appear to give a sh1t. Its really not an issue if its a natural reaction...if however it's done to make a political point then it just makes the individual look a bit uncouth and pathetic as it would if it happened to any other head of state. I'm not aware that's ever happened to the Queen though.

One thing I've noticed is that the Australian media seem to revel in unintended queenie insults...which I just find mildly amusing. For Americans it doesn't seem to have as much relevance or political significance. Candians and Kiwi's seem a bit more chilled out about the Queen.