Queen is No More. Life in Service is Done
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Most of us expected it, but on the other hand, most of us tried to postpone this thought to "later". The thought that a day will come when we will wake up in the world when the Queen is no more. And what then? *
Elisabeth II was with us for the whole of our lives. She came from a different time and had met many of the world leaders many times. All changing like in a kaleidoscope - for her.
As there are many people in the world, everyone's had a different concept and perception about her role on the world stage. Certainly she was one of the most important, visible players.
Bearing this in mind, with respect of the sheer volume of time and her perseverance - it was a hugely emotive moment. Many of us will remember exactly the place, the time, and our circumstances when we found out about the Queen's officially passing away. (Thursday, 8th September, 2022)
This is our internal snapshot of history. It puts us in the 'Zeitgeist' - the spirit of our times. And a part of this spirit has died with the longest ruling monarch in history (don't know whether only British history or world history - ask Google, we not bothered). It was a long time indeed, and she ruled through many smaller zeitgeists - epochs which shaped our world in so many different ways.
For us, it was in our lovely country house in Poland, when we enjoyed prolonged holidays. We chose not to have any internet broadband, for the utter experience of relaxation, and thus - we had no knowledge of the world news at hand. We found out about it the day after, on a local radio news (the kind of old-school radio that our mothers had, with AM and FM bands).
So, we switched it on, as every morning at the news hours, and we heard: 'King Charles III. is going to make an appearance.... somewhere, blah, blah,...'.
At this point our minds were totally confused, for a few seconds: Who the heck is King Charles the Third? Some Scandinavian? Something happened there, suddenly? (because hardly ever happens there, in terms of the world news). After those few seconds we realized that they are now talking officially about a person that we have know all our life as Prince Charles.
It was a solemn and a surprising moment at the same time. Because it encompassed the way the British go about morning (quite different to other nations). We love the British (or perhaps it is more English) way of going about death:
'The Queen died. Long live the King!'.
* 'Show Must Go On' - as Queen's lyrics state ---- and it is another statement of the way the British (or English) - mourn.
But before the show goes on, also for our blog, we want to show you how the British newspapers, television, and streets had shown the days after Queen Elisabeth II death:
In very many places, you could see the tributes to the late Queen, Her Majesty, Elisabeth II.
Banners outside shops and cafes - instead of showing off their menus, they put Queen's face on it. Flowers and memorials in pubs, bars, restaurants... but mostly around the Anglican churches or even at the train stations. Above - Liverpool Central
(PS. Liverpool is know for the very anti-monarchist 'sentiment'. But below, the Liverpool's Echo consorted with the nations mood).
The Press and TV got on about the whole week of mourning, but there were some normal programs going on, too,
Many found it difficult - especially the football fans for the football matches being cancelled It is a religion more precious to many (especially in the North West, and especially in Liverpool), than the Anglican Church of which the British monarchs and the Queen have been the 'Head'. Think we have explained the conflict matter - just a bit.
***
Finally, the day of the funeral. Live on TV - all four main channels.
We watched.
And we were puzzled.
By the totally military setting of the Funeral.
After all, so close and at the same time - so far away from the large and loving crowd...
This was not only our observation. Russel Brand, the English (or British?) comic has pointed this out, too, and many more interesting details.
It was the precise Queen's wish, we were told.
We thought:
Why someone/anyone would like to be carried on his/hers last way on an old shooting device?
(which - in the time long past - served as a defending/killing machine).
We have elaborated on this thoughts - but we have no time and.... - time - to elaborate it here (at least we do not have it right now).
***
The procession crossed the red 'carpet' of Pall Mall, towards Buckingham Palace.
... And, at the end, by a Jaguar car, at some speed, towards the Windsor Castle, her body resting place..
Rest In Peace
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary
21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022