The Queen…

That’s a really lovely article Dinahmo
Thank you

A good, sensitive post Dickens

I saw a lovely photo of her on tv last night. She was dressed in lilac and looking up to the right, with a mischievous smile on her face.
Did anyone else catch it?
All the other recent photos reduced me to tears, but this one made me laugh.

A little bit of light relief - an article in the Guardian about the Queen and her corgis/dorgis

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/09/queens-elizabeth-corgis-tested-palace-loyalties

Plus some lovely pix.

In 2016 I watched the funeral of Simon Peres on tv just because Barack Obama was giving an eulogy. Obama said that the 3 greatest people he'd met during his life were Peres, Nelson Mandala and the Queen.

That comment, combined with the tribute from Macron and other world leaders shows how important the Queen was to the history of our nation as a symbol of stability. Her death has occurred at a time when the country seems to be disintegrating and I am glad that she is no longer here to see it.

volver I agree with you

Aveline

I'd just like to note that the Grans who most often post regarding their non monarchist views are notably holding back. I'd like to thank them for respecting the situation and our feelings.

I think Republicans vary in the strength of their feelings. As one myself, I have to say the Queen has been a 'constant' throughout my whole life... constant in the sense that she didn't change according to fad or fancy.
I attended a school that was founded by royalty - the Queen Mother visited us on a couple of occasions. The royal institution has been a backdrop to my life. As it has to many others.
I looked at the photo' of Elizabeth in a sitting room in Balmoral waiting for Liz Truss - patently frail and unwell, but with her unmistakeable smile, and felt very sad.
Discussions about the future of the monarchy are for another time.
This is the end of an era. RIP Elizabeth II.

volver ?

volver

I know that people think I am an argumentative so-and-so, but I would like to think that I have a sense of propriety. There is a line not to cross, and in a thread talking about the passing of such an important historical figure I don't believe its appropriate to cheer on the fact it will make your day easier or complain about there being nothing on telly.

Well said Fanny.

Agree. Plus there’s another thread about cancellations etc for posters to express “other” views.

Your opinion Maizie.

The broadcasters were reading out the tributes as they came in. I imagine all sorts of people will be making them. Some of those people will have had less attractive traits than others, just as some of the people the Queen had to meet did. Is it the broadcaster's job to decide which get read out and which don't?

The tribute was not about that man. It is about what he said about the Queen. The fact that it was about the Queen is surely the important point at this moment and on this particular thread?

Thank you Fanny and DSL.

volver

I know that people think I am an argumentative so-and-so, but I would like to think that I have a sense of propriety. There is a line not to cross, and in a thread talking about the passing of such an important historical figure I don't believe its appropriate to cheer on the fact it will make your day easier or complain about there being nothing on telly.

Well said Fanny.

Absolutely. Well said volver

Sparklefizz

Well said Fanny.

And I have to say that I thought Boris's tribute to the Queen was just right.

Well, I've been thinking about that in wakeful periods all night and it has made me very angry.

Why was broadcasting time given to a former PM who was forced to resign by his own ministers and parliamentary party because of his lying, breaking of parliamentary conventions (like the ministerial code), partying when everyone, including the Queen was observing the covid rules, making the UK an international laughing stock and destroying international trust by threatening to break international treaties.? One of who's early actions as PM was to lie to the Queen... A man who disgraced his office in a way that no previous PM has ever done and who is the complete antithesis of everything the Queen represented and acted on in her lifetime.

I think it was an insult to her memory that this worthless individual was allowed to broadcast a 'tribute' as though he were still PM.

I am deeply thankful that she hung on for long enough to get rid of him as PM otherwise we would have to endure him milking her death for all it is worth and making sure that he hogged the limelight.

Thank you Fanny

Hmmm. I spoke too soon apparently. ?

We are obviously bound to have different opinions. Mercifully we live in a free country and can express them.
First of all my sympathy to Maddy-a sad day for you too.
The Queen made public her Christian beliefs-not always easy these days. My sympathies go the RF as they grieve her but, as others have said, she had a long life and died peacefully in her own bed-an end denied to so many of us now sadly.
As others have said, Gangan, Frambern, Gango foxy and Fleur Pepper these are very difficult days for many and this MUST be taken into account. The RF are incredibly wealthy-I hope they massively contribute to the cost of the public funeral.
I’m afraid Charles and Camilla I’m sure must be preparing themselves for a backlash. He has, unlike the Queen, not been an honorable man.
It truly is time for an end to this type of monarchy/ leadership IMHO

I'd just like to note that the Grans who most often post regarding their non monarchist views are notably holding back. I'd like to thank them for respecting the situation and our feelings.

Thanks to the New Statesman's Morning Call email for these details. These traditions have been designed to help those who are grieving, sad or simply feel life has changed. Please, could people remember the Queen would often say "it's not about me" and make this a "not about me" thread? I can only agree with others, that it is and should be about the death of a lady who, in the best way she was able, served her country for over 70 years.

A meticulous national plan has now gone into effect. At Westminster Hall late last night, workers had already begun to take down railings and benches in preparation for the Queen to lie in state – as Churchill did in 1965 – for three days next week. Britons will, for 23 hours a day, be able to file past the Queen’s coffin. Five hundred thousand visitors are expected, with queues for several miles.

The Queen’s funeral is then expected to be held in Westminster Abbey in ten or 11 days’ time. Political leaders and foreign dignitaries will descend on London ahead of the service, with President Biden among those expected to attend (although his press secretary declined to confirm as much yesterday). Parliament will meet from noon today, and from 2pm tomorrow in a rare Saturday sitting. MPs will pay tribute to the Queen and, for those who wish to do so, swear allegiance to the King.

I know that people think I am an argumentative so-and-so, but I would like to think that I have a sense of propriety. There is a line not to cross, and in a thread talking about the passing of such an important historical figure I don't believe its appropriate to cheer on the fact it will make your day easier or complain about there being nothing on telly.

Well said Fanny.

Well said FannyCornforth. I agree.
I am truly sorry, Maddyone about the loss of your dear mother. My condolences to you and your family,.

Fanny. Thank you and well said.

Can we please keep this thread on track, a place where we can show our respect.

For those of you who don't wish to join in the nations mourning then don't. Just go about your business, no one will think any the worse of you.

For those who are bemoaning the media coverage, then put yourself on a media fast. It's easy enough to avoid the major tv channels, and you don't have to buy newspapers.

Anyone who has lost a loved one will know that a time of mourning is also a necessary time for quiet reflection, to review the past and to think about what might lie ahead in the future. A time to step of the treadmill for a while and just pause.

We have a hard time ahead of us in the next couple of years or so, a period of sober reflection and a time to take stock is sorely needed right now.

Whether you are a monarchist or not is largely irrelevant, the simple truth is this was a woman who for over 70 years stood at the very epicentre of life in the U.K. a woman who dedicated her life to duty and the service of the nation.

The least she deserves is a period of quiet reflection and thanks for a lifetime of devotion to her country,

So please .....

I would say to those who wish to open up a wider discussion about other members of the royal family or the government or whatever, please start a separate thread. Let's keep this one respectful and dignified.

Let's just be kind because right now, more than anything else, kindness is what is needed.

FannyCornforth

I know that one cannot ‘dictate’ what is said on a thread, but it would be respectful if this thread remained for memories of thoughts of the Queen and her family, please.
It is only 16 hours since her death was announced.
The disruptions etc could (should?) be discussed on another thread.
For instance, a poster has started a thread about a charity event being cancelled. It doesn’t need to be mentioned here.
If we aren’t careful, this thread could end up attacking Harry and his wife; berating Camilla etc; and degenerate into all sorts of unpleasant things, and cause unnecessary upset.
Thank you

This thread is not titled " Tributes to the Queen" so I don't think it is very fair to unilaterally declare it to be that.
Not everyone has the same view of the Queen's death and their views are just as valid as everyone else's. If you want a thread dedicated to tributes then I suggest you start one.
FWIW I greatly admired HM, she did an outstanding job and feel very sad at the news.

snowberryZ

JaneJudge

It was 1997 that Diana died, it was 25 years ago last month

Strange to think it was that long ago.

I know, the time passes quickly doesn't it. It is very sad for her children that she has missed so much of their life.

Feeling very emotional today. Just signed Book of Condolence on the Royal Family's website so feel I have paid my respects to them directly. Thinking of King Charles and all his family today.

JaneJudge

It was 1997 that Diana died, it was 25 years ago last month

Strange to think it was that long ago.