As always, I have Radio 4 on in the office, and this morning is full live coverage of the Queen's 90th birthday celebration in Westminster Abbey (I think). Gosh, poor soul, what a dreary, dismal po faced service it is. It is supposed to be a celebration! I know there wouldn't be balloons and party poppers and there are other events, but golly this is sooooooo dreary......all that organ music...
Watching Trooping the Colour, the Queen and Philip look great for their age but what were the Queen's dressers thinking of?...she looks like a leprechaun in that shade of green.
There was some mention last night about the Queen telling the clergy not to go on too much or go over the top with praise for her (paraphrasing here!). I am not a big fan of the Royal family, but when it comes to all these 90th birthday events, I feel have seen them acting like any other. I like seeing them acting more informally - and most of all, grinning from ear to ear and laughing a lot. More of that please.
Because some found the service tedious it doesn't follow queenie did , was she bored or deep in thought . feeling pity for her because she had to climb steps, that's patronising, so she isn't nimble but she has legs, she isn't using a walking stick yet, her mother did, so her choice
I daresay the Queen had approved the order of service, but it was very tedious - relieved by that wonderful young pianist, and best of all, Sir David Attenborough - he was wonderful! I did feel a bit sorry for the Queen, tho' - she looked bored out of her crust, and Prince Phillip looked cross and fidgety.
I was very upset for them- the tedious climb up the steps of St Paul's, the meet and greet, the interminable wait while the parade wended its endless way in, the long walk down the aisle, and then to top it all they couldn't even sit down when they arrived at their seats but had to stand for a dreary homily that went on and on. It all seemed so unkind, and to take them and their health for granted.
Ana - I doubt the royal family 'discuss responsibilities' - I think they only communicate by memo don't they?
I was surprised to see how much coverage Channel 4 news gave to Muhammad Ali's funeral tonight and how little they gave to the Queen's birthday. I'm no royalist but it was The Muhammed Ali Show with HRH having a very small walk on part. Not right IMO.
And I'm sure the family discuss responsibilities etc. among themselves - perhaps The Queen and Prince Philip want to do as much as they can, while they can.
It's not very likely Wills and Harry say 'Sorry Granny, I'm too busy gadding about to help you out...'