Sunday came and Sunday went. It was a warm day, without a hint of rain. I finished one book and started another, and looked forward to a day off with no particular plans.
The first thing I did on Monday was to check on the news. An announcement was going to be made as to whom was going to take over the prestigious (perhaps enviable, perhaps unenviable) job of British Prime Minister. Once again, the United Kingdom was being governed by a woman. I do not really think that the gender was as appropriate as the fact she was probably the best person for the job. Without going into a political wrangle, my preference has always been to pick the perfect person for the job, regardless! The Queen was not picked to do her job, but she was the best person.
Samantha took me to the outlet mall, a journey we planned at the last minute, and one that was not meant to take as long as it did. Of course, as we were so near, it would be ridiculous (ridiculous!) not to visit Bucee's, and grab a cup of syrup with a dash of coffee, and head to the shopping center armed with sustenance. We picked up a few bits and pieces and headed home. I spent the afternoon reading and chatting with a couple of neighbours. What a very pleasant and civilised way to spend a Labor Day holiday!
The audience with the Queen was televised, and Liz Truss was asked by her Majesty to form a new government. The country was being run by 'Lizzies' and for a couple of days, that was rather amusing. I watched, as the procession drove through London, and finally arrived at Downing Street, and the Queen's fifteenth Prime Minister stood in front of the podium, after a torrential downpour, which almost halted proceedings, and gave a speech. I wondered if she would make any reference to 'after the storm', and watched mainly because my dad always said to me, "Watch this, and you will remember an historic moment". Poignant it was perhaps not, historic it would prove to be, in ways we would not have imagined.
All I remember about Wednesday was the rain, and Prime Minister's question time. There appeared to be a 'banter' that I had not witnessed in recent years. Perhaps it was because I have not really watched much in recent years, or perhaps it was because there was a 'levelling' out. Shoot me down if you wish, but I found the last P.M. to be quite witty, and a great showman. A little eccentric, perhaps, but as a man, he made me laugh. Of course, we do not see politicians as human beings very often. We are generally 'for them' or against them, but like a good football (soccer) game, we can appreciate a good play by the other team, even if it does result in the downfall of our own. I do not generally state my political preferences, but I do have appreciation for what I consider 'good' policy, no matter by whom it is put forth, and I do enjoy good humour! Once again, humour is personal, and my idea of 'good' is different to others. However, I digress.
It poured on Wednesday evening, again, and we watched the lightening bolt across the sky like fireworks being let off from many launching sites. It was spectacular. Little did I know that it was the prologue for an announcement that would affect me so deeply.
The rain subsided, and the next morning started like any other. I arrived at work, and turned on my computer, opening the BBC tab to see if there was anything worthwhile reading. The announcement that Her Majesty had been put on 'medical supervision' was somewhat of a shock. Hearing that her children were either at her bedside or were travelling to be there was an indication that all was not well. Having seen the audience with her namesake two days earlier, this was a little amazing, and I continued to watch a news channel that I was able to access on my device. It was unusual for an announcement of such magnitude to be made, but it is a different age to that of even a decade ago, when social media, and the Internet as a rule, allows people to alert others within seconds. It would have been noticed by someone, somewhere, that members of the royals were all congregating when there was no official news of them doing so. I waited.
Samantha went outside to walk the dogs and I listened as I worked. As the news came, from an obviously very emotional broadcaster, who stumbled, albeit slightly, over his words, I found myself in floods of tears. It was a state that I was surprised to find myself in, despite my admiration for the lady who gave her life to her subjects, as she had promised. Although I did not know her, personally, we all knew her, as she had come into our living rooms every Christmas Day, and at other poignant times. I walked out to Samantha, mouthed "She's gone" and we hugged. I did not feel the hurt I would for a relative, or even Frank, the dog, but there was a sense of loss that I could not quite fathom. I went back inside, walked into Dana's office and once again, cried a river.
The rest of the day was, once again, somewhat of a blur. It was as if something inside was broken and yet I did not quite not know what. I received a message from Richard, simply saying, "Sad news". I came home, went through my regular routine, had dinner, and fell into a fitful sleep, and awoke wondering if it was all a dream, knowing that it was not. What comes next? We now had a King. That is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and 'all who sail in her', now had a King. It is something that is not easy for some to understand, especially in a country where the monarchy was 'thrown out', although all seemed to be aware of the situation. Other heads of state, be it monarchy, presidents or whatever titles are given, come and go, but our Queen was a constant. I think the President of France said it best. (Please forgive me if I misquote.) "To you, she was 'your' Queen. To us, she was The Queen. That is what my husband said too. She was, quite simply, The Queen. When you spoke of The Queen, all knew to whom you were referring. Seventy years is a lifetime for some, beyond a lifetime for others, and a very long time for all.
So many people said the same thing. "I don't know why?" when referring to their emotions. I had a thought on Friday, as I was swimming, when I do my most poignant thinking and meditating, perhaps it is not only sorrow for the loss of an amazing lady, (and I think there are few, albeit there are a few, who would disagree,) but there is also empathy for the rest of the nation, and not least, her family. Whilst the new King has waited for almost a lifetime to take the throne, he knew he would do so only upon the loss of his 'dear mama'. The two young princes, who lost their mother at an age when perhaps boys need their mum the most, have now lost their grandma. I thought of how my kids felt when my dad passed. It was devastating. We sometimes forget the family dynamics of such a dynamic family!
I listened with difficulty to a rendition of "God save the King", not because I have no regard for the King, but because I have never sung the words. My mother did, and my grandmother was born into a Queendom and then saw several monarchs, including an abdication. I have known nothing but a Queen. I listened to the statement given by King Charles III and wondered how difficult it would be, to have no time to just sit and grieve, but have to pick up and carry on without taking time out to just mourn. I know people do it, but I do not think they were an 'unclose' family. Perhaps a generation ago, but not now! It was lovely to see the welcome given outside Buckingham Palace. Give the lad a chance. Albeit the 'lad' is now in his eighth decade!
A sombre mood overtook for the rest of the weekend. I had several texts of condolence, which I would have wondered at in times gone by, but they were accepted with thanks and respect. The President of the United States signed a proclamation that flags be flown at half-mast over the White House and other federal buildings. Many Governors followed suit. There is a 'specific article' which allows this in the 'Flag Code' as flags are only (apparently) legitimately to be flown at half mast for the death of a statesperson, unless there is a 'proclamation'. This was no 'ordinary' person. Governor Abbot, the Governor of Texas, sent out a statement of condolence. There were signs of respect sent out all over the world. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, etc, was in mourning, and the respect that was shown, in my opinion, was unprecedented.
Then came something that has never been seen in my country of birth. A King welcoming a woman Prime Minister into his home for a 'briefing'. As the first British woman Prime Minister was elected shortly after Her Majesty had celebrated her silver jubilee. Again, the gender is not particularly of consequence until it becomes historical. The current Kings grandfather may have thought, in his wildest dreams, that it would be possible, but his great grandfather probably would have laughed at the idea. Times have certainly changed!
I asked Richard if he would buy me a newspaper to commemorate the sad occasion. He told me that everything was sold out, apart from the one he bought. The Racing Times. I told him that nothing could be more appropriate, due to her love of her horses, and horse racing. It was perfect.
I am grateful to have been around, to have been part of this history. I saw Jubilees, went to Hyde Park to see the 'party' on the big screen, for the 50th, and celebrated the golden and platinum in my own way. I remember my dad and I talking about Queen Victoria, and the length of time she was on the throne. Sixty three years. The longest reigning monarch of our time. I asked if he thought the Queen (The Queen) would beat that. He said that he would be a very old man if he saw that, and that I would be a fairly old woman! I did see it and I am part of that history! I will not see another Platinum Jubilee in my lifetime, and I doubt my grandchildren, nor great grandchildren (should I live to see them) will either.
I send my deepest condolences to the late Queen's family, and to everyone who is mourning. I send my condolences to all her friends and acquaintances, all of whom held the highest regard for the lady, and she was a Lady in every sense. I send my condolences to my country folk, who are feeling a sense of loss, and perhaps apprehension as to 'what will happen next', and I say with respect, Long Live the King. Rest in peace, your Majesty, and a huge 'Thank you, ma'am. For everything!'.
What is there left to say. Probably a huge amount, but for now, I will just end and wait for .......... another story!
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