The world is mourning the death of the longest reigning monarch in the UK, Queen Elizabeth. Just thinking she is the only monarch that the significant majority of her subjects have ever known is quite amazing in and of itself. Although not without imperfections, she was a class act which we need more people to emulate. Dignified public service is something we should use an example – just look no further than Boris Johnson as the most recent contrarian to that premise and what happened to him.
What is interesting is that if her Uncle Edward had not abdicated the throne allowing her father George to become King, she may never had served as Queen. I find that amazing how these two very different stories weave together in history as bookends. A dutiful Queen who served through thick and thin and a self-centered King who shed the crown for love. Her namesake, the first Queen Elzabeth, also served a long time, as did her great-grandmother Victoria. Just think of that – three women served as Queen for just shy of 180 years – almost two centuries.
King Charles will not be able to serve as long, but he has been waiting in the wings for a long time to serve. Using an American analogy, I hope he will not be a worn-out relief pitcher who warmed up too long in the bullpen and was spent by the time he entered the game. One thing about Charles, he has been more outspoken about the environment and climate change, which has been good. As King, he may need to be more silent on these subjects as the Prime Minister runs the show.
There is also a good documentary on him about funding and sponsoring a program to teach teen kids and young adults about the hospitality profession – see link below. It is called the “Belling Hospitality Training Centre at Dumfries House Estate.” When I saw this documentary, I came away with a much more favorable impression of now King Charles.
So, may the Queen rest in peace. Thank you for your service and stewardship. And, long live the King.
musingsofanoldfart 
Indeed, she was a shining example, not only for those in the UK, but around the world. She will be missed. No, Charles cannot possibly serve as long, for he would be 140 years old at the end of his tenure, but I hope he will be as kind and compassionate as his mum was. I’m encouraged by his concern for the environment.
Jill, agreed. I hope William can pick up the banner on key initiatives. As a global representative of the UK, the King cannot ignore the harsh realities of climate change, so he may be more vocal than his mother on the subject. Keith
I gather Ms. Truss might be an obstacle to that, though. Thus far, she seems to be following Trump’s playbook in appointing the people least qualified for their positions.
Jill, she might indeed. I did find of interest she appointed women to the roles. Keith
Agreed!
Look on the bright side Jill, the first photos of her cabinet will have driven white racist misogynists all over the world into apoplexies.
Roger, true that. Keith
The Queen was always a lady evoking all the qualities of her position! She will be missed by us all! It is to be hoped that King Charles has what it takes to be the kind of leader the country as well as the world needs.
Angie, I hope so as well. I think he will do better than people expect, but in a different style than his mother. I do like that he was shaking hands with people who came to share their condolences. Keith
Thank you Keith, a most moving tribute to our Late Queen, and a good assessment of King Charles III. Once the first shock had passed this was the pressing question. How would he measure up. Here is an analysis of his first speech to His Nation.:
Sorry about that, clumsy fingers:
Assessment:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/09/charles-iiis-first-speech-what-the-king-said-and-why-it-was-important
Thanks for sharing your comments and the assessment of King Charles’ speech. I think he will do better than some expect, just in his own style. It is true his reign will be over a more diverse country than when the Queen was coronated. Keith
I think he will Keith.
Liz Truss was appointed Prime Minister at this time, so as two folk new to their jobs their weekly meetings will be interesting I am sure.
(And forever secret, by tradition)
Truly.
Interesting. I never thought of Edward as self-centered. Is that what it is to be in love and to be true to that one you love, even if your family/title rejects them? I often felt that Prince/King Charles was bullied into marrying a woman that he didn’t love just to fulfill expectations of his position. Even though, she, too was a commoner. Had he not married her, that would be an interesting story to ponder.
Linda, I think Edward may be romanticized more than he should have been, but it does make an interesting tale. I would be interested to see what our British friends think. No question on Charles being made to marry someone he loved less than Camilla. Keith
I came back to visit your site to see if you had any post on this. I knew you would and I wanted to read your perspective. I love it as always. I often think of the coincidence too, King George’s fate change, gave the world Queen Elizabeth.
So true. It was indeed a fateful change. Thanks for stopping by. Keith