I admire the Queen. There I have said it. I have outed myself as a royalist. Yesterday marked the day when she became the longest reigning British monarch, surpassing her great- grandmother Queen Victoria. In her usual style she spent that day at work, taking a train up to Scotland to make a royal visit.
I know you could offer me many, many reasons why the monarchy is outdated, stodgy, expensive, etc. etc. but I still admire the Queen and all she stands for. She takes her role seriously. She does not draw attention to herself but goes about her duties with determination, some might say doggedness, despite her advancing years. She is, as her anthem says, ‘our gracious Queen’ and loyalty and duty are not words but a life-style. We would all do well to emulate her in this regard.
She sees her role as a calling from God, a serious responsibility for which she took vows, pledging her life to one of service to the British people. I understand the taking of vows. As someone mentioned recently I have taken two sets of vows – one to my marriage and one for my ordination. I balance them in the way I live my life, sometimes disappointing, but always endeavouring to be faithful in my calling and my commitments. Vows mean covenant, covenant means we don’t quit even when the going gets tough. The Queen has exemplified her commitment and dedication to service.
I understand The Queen likes to have a glass of Dubonnet each day. I hope that yesterday she was treated to a double!
