In the (Royal) spirit

Suddenly, the shops are full of bunting and British flags.  Lately, it seems that most conversations in all towns and villages include the world ‘jubilee’ and reference everything from local festivities to the procession of one thousand boats up the Thames, the concert at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Garden party, and numerous other Royal events.  People are also getting excited at the prospect of a four day weekend.  Though the British seem to have perfected the art of reserve and understatement, Britain nonetheless seems to be working itself into a frenzy over a lovely, regal, 86 year old grandmother.   This is understandable when one takes in that this ‘grandmother’ is not like your grandmother or mine.  She is Queen Elizabeth II, now the second longest-reigning monarch in British history, with real prospects of soon becoming the longest ever to reign. 

Coming from America, where Presidents change every four or eight years, it is sobering to realize that the Queen has reigned through twelve Prime Ministers (beginning with Winston Churchill), six Popes, six Archbishops of Canterbury, thirty or more pet corgis, and during the time of twelve American Presidents.  While America doesn't hold many politicians in overly high esteem, recent British opinion polls are giving Her Majesty an eighty percent approval rating on average, and I have a feeling the true figure is actually much, much higher.  One can almost feel the British’ sense of pride and anticipation growing day by day. 

In these austere times, it is refreshing to have reason to celebrate.  Last year there was the Royal Wedding, this year the Queen’s Diamond jubilee, and to follow this, the Olympics. 

It has been said that the Queen instructed jubilee planners to minimize the use of any public monies in the planning of events, and to not force people to celebrate.   I don’t see evidence that much of anything surrounding this occasion is ‘forced’.  In fact, in the time I’ve lived here, I’ve never seen so many union jacks appearing in shops, houses, in the streets, and really everywhere.   

In short, it’s a wonderful time to be in Britain.  As an American settling into life in the UK and integrating, I cannot find anything more quintessential to British culture than this historic and once in a lifetime event.  I am honored and privileged to bear witness to this most positive piece of history. 

May we yet see her become the longest reigning monarch in British history.