I’m not sure why I feel a bit defensive about being absolutely enthralled by the pageantry of today’s ceremonies, but I do. Perhaps it’s because the Queen’s death has sparked anew the criticism of the British monarchy which, over the last 400 years, has a pretty bloody history of subjugation (akin to slavery in America). Perhaps it’s because some see the monarch today as an anachronism, unnecessary in this modern day. Maybe because all that pomp and circumstance must have cost ten fortunes—I read somewhere that the cost of the funeral, which Elizabeth herself planned to a large degree, may throw Britain into a recession. I sincerely hope not.
What I
think today demonstrated, among many things, was that the Brits loved their queen,
and, to a great extent, they love the monarchy. It’s the symbol of their
country, the glue that holds them together and strengthens their sense of
identity and community. The monarchy today is symbolic, with no effective
political power, but the royal family does much for the country and for many
charities throughout what remains of the Commonwealth. Whether the Queen
influenced politics or not is a question—in her subtle way, I suspect she
guided prime ministers from Winston Churchill on. Churchill apparently denounced
her as a child when she was crowned but came to like and respect her. Although
we denied the monarch a couple of centuries ago, we in this country could use
such a unifying force.
Today
I was enthralled by everything from the solemn tread of the marchers and the
clip-clop of the horses to the high, clear voices of the boy sopranos at the
committal service. It was grand, glorious, and colorful, pageantry at its best.
And no, it wasn’t an anachronism. It was history, tradition, ritual—repeating
ceremonies which have long been in place. As I watched, I thought that we may
never again see such pageantry. There’s much speculation about the future of
the monarchy. Charles III, now king, talks of slimming down the monarchy, and I
wondered if that wouldn’t mean slimming down the ceremonial aspect. Maybe not
so many Beefeaters, not so many foot soldiers?
On the
other hand, I’ve heard more than once today that the day’s ceremonies had a
twofold purpose: to honor the Queen who served so long and well and was so
beloved not only by Brits but across the world, but also to cement the idea of
the monarchy, to guarantee that it will continue.
A few
days ago, I saw an article entitled, “Mourn the Queen, but not her Monarchy.” Even
those harsh critics of history must admit that the Queen set a very different
tone, and that she was beloved by her subjects. People thronging the streets
wept as her coffin passed. I studied the faces of the young men who carried the
coffin up those treacherous steps to St. George Chapel and thought what stories
they will tell their grandchildren about the glorious day when they carried the
Queen’s coffin. She was a remarkable woman—dedicated, intelligent, gracious,
courteous, astute.
Since
her death we have also seen more of the personal side of the Queen—the woman
who was mother to four sometimes troublesome offspring, and grandmother to many
who adored her. That priceless clip of Princess Charlotte advising Prince George
to bow, King Charles almost weeping as he stood at the head of the coffin, the
beloved horse and corgis who waited to be there when the coffin passed—this was
a woman who was not just a figurehead but a real living, breathing, kind and
caring human who was much loved by those close to her.
A
personal note: watching today connected me to my late father. As I’ve mentioned
before he was Canadian born, Scottish by descent, and a confirmed Anglophile.
He introduced me to the monarchy early, in 1947 when he wakened me in the wee
hours to listen to Elizabeth’s coronation. Today I could imagine him sitting by
me, wiping a tear occasionally, as did I, and saying, “Isn’t it grand?”
Two inconsequential
notes: I was taken back by the use of the words “trespasses” and “those who
trespass against us” in the Lord’s Prayer. That’s how I learned the prayer, but
it’s been years since I’ve heard that. “Trespass” has been replaced by “debts.”
I liked the old way.
And
where in heaven’s name did the word “coronate” come from? Charles will be
crowned, people, not coronated! Even Lester Holt used it tonight on the news.
I
guess now we will get back to the everyday world, but I hope the Queen will not
fade from our minds. The world today could use more formal ceremony, more
gracious manners, more reminders of our history and the people we can be. May
Elizabeth Regina rest in peace, and may God Save the King.
