Britain's Queen Elizabeth II handed away on Sept. 8, 2022.
AFP through Getty Photos/ Ben Stansall
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the world loses not simply probably the most fixed star within the constellation of world leaders, however an epitome of virtues that now appear extinct: restraint (the traditional stiff higher lip) and devotion to obligation.
She was served by 15 prime ministers (from Winston Churchill, born in 1874, to Liz Truss, born in 1975) in a reign that spanned 14 US presidents and noticed the top of the British Empire, the West’s victory within the Chilly Battle, the start of the European Union — and Brexit from the EU.
In public, by way of crises world, nationwide and, sure, familial, she was a rock as indomitable as Gibraltar — bending solely as wanted to fend off critics of the monarchy (with whom, as small-r republicans, we sympathize within the summary), whether or not heeding John Grigg’s 1957 recommendation to modernize some traditions or Tony Blair’s 1997 pleas to indicate emotion after Princess Diana’s demise.
As “The Queen” and “The Crown” depict, the royals lead a luxe life, however at a price: not simply displaying up for infinite ceremonies, hemmed in by the calls for of court docket custom, but additionally sustaining good grace in a ruthlessly impartial public function that will problem a Zen grasp.
And for all of the travails of different Windsors, her personal life by no means held a breath of scandal. For seven a long time, she confirmed up, proscribing her duties solely close to the top, as age (and COVID) required.
Get the most recent on Queen Elizabeth II’s passing with The Publish’s reside protection
One final time: God save the Queen. RIP.
Post a Comment