The most poignant of images.
Possibly reflective, of the oft times loneliness and isolation, from such strenuous and dedicated duty, that was thrust upon one so young and so unprepared.
How challenging would it be to balance history, stability, protocols, expectations, an evolving world view, an even more invasive paparazzi and an array of Prime Ministers. One can perhaps understand more why Queen Elizabeth II so enjoyed the company of her horses and dogs!
In a world where change was happening at a faster rate than ever before in the history of human kind the roles of Monarch and Mother would have been challenging.
Her mother’s heart must have broken often. To have your children’s lives played out in public, would have been excruciating for any parent, yet she remained loyal and loving.
Seventy years, two hundred and fourteen days, she was the personification of her own 2008 Christmas Message, “ When life is hard the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future”.
I am not a monarchist and I am very cognisant of much of the pain caused by colonisation. However in a turbulent world there appears to be something comforting in her stability and predictability. There is also sadness and nostalgia, as we acknowledge what feels like the passing over of our world’s grandmother. That’s why there appears to be both a global and personal sadness expressed by so many. In her own words, “Grief is the price we pay for love”.
There is much respect for someone who embraced faith, nature, commitment, humour, hard work and such stoicism.
“There’ll be blue birds over, the white cliffs of Dover….”
Jacinta Foster-Raimondo
HuG 