Monday, May 14, 2007


Her Majesty the Queen


Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's visit to the United States is over, and I find myself compelled to write a post on her. I would like to focus on Her Majesty herself, not her visit in particular.

Regular readers of my blog know that I have a very schizophrenic relationship with the British. Sometimes I love them, other times I hate them. I admire their history and cultural traditions, and greatly respect their monarchy, but I cannot help but despise them for their anti-Catholic and anti-German history. I suppose I am very much like Kaiser Wilhelm II in my relationship with the British: I'm partially British myself (like the Kaiser), I look-up to them, but grow so angry at them for their arrogance in world affairs throughout history.

With that being said, I find myself in love with the Queen more than ever. She was covered very favorably in the American press during her visit, and I found myself wishing I was among the many in the crowds who flocked to catch a ten second glimpse of her. I was jealous of President Bush, a man who--I can only assume--cares nothing for monarchy or monarchs, because of the time he got to spend with the Queen.

Even though it came out a couple of weeks ago, I bought a copy of The Queen on Friday. I have written about this movie before, but after having watched it again I find my respect and admiration for Her Majesty to have increased. What is it about this 81-year-old woman that I find so irresistible?

The Queen is dignified, graceful, poised, dutiful. She is the physical embodiment of all that is Britain; the Queen is Britannia and Britannia is the Queen. The British people have someone to look-up to, someone who transcends party politics. We Americans have nothing like that. I hope my British readers realize just how fortunate they are.

Despite 200 plus years of separation from England, the conduct of Americans during Her Majesty's recent visit prove that we are still fascinated by royalty. I think that says something about Her Majesty's power, and indeed the power of a monarchy in general.

Again I ask the question: What is it about this 81-year-old woman that I find so irresistible? I'd like to offer a quote from the movie The Queen: "At the end of the day, Labour ministers always go gaga over the queen." Although I am not now nor have I ever been a member of the Labour Party, I am guilty as charged. God save the Queen!

6 comments:

Postillion said...

Greetings from Germany! An American, who loves the original German culture, must be an extremely indepentent thinker. My sincere respect!

Curmudgeon said...

Just one problem. That woman isn't the Queen. A toast to the King "over the water!"

Nick said...

Um, what the heck are you talking about curmedgeon?

Anonymous said...

Curmudgeon

Are you referring to the fact she is of a German line?

Personally I prefer the restoration of the Stuart line.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree more. As a 13 year old British citizen, I have absolute respect for Her Majesty and the wonderful job she does of representing Britain. America should not have abolished its monarchy. I am also a pupil at Marlborough College - the school of Princess Eugenie - and happen to know personally that Her Majesty is a wonderful woman who does a vast amount of charity work and is extremely kind and caring. There's just something magical about her. God save the Queen!

Beatrix

Nick said...

Beatrix,

Thank you so much for your comment. I don't get many female readers/posters to my blog, so your comment was quite welcome. I cannot tell you how lonely it feels not to have a sovereign as a US citizen, something many Brits take for granted (or even worse don't even care). At 13 years old, you are far wiser than many of your British superiors! Once again, thank you and come back to my site often!