Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were married five days after my parents' wedding in 1947. They spent more than seven decades together, a mind-boggling stretch of time. The Queen and Prince Philip seemed to truly enjoy each other's company. Theirs was a genuine friendship as well as a royal partnership.
Royalty are still people. Human beings have their flaws and failings, their struggles and triumphs, their highs and lows. The Queen and her Prince were really just another married couple facing all the challenges of life together, albeit in grandiose style. Their hopes and dreams, their disappointments and heartaches probably did not differ widely from those of any long-married couple.
Now, after all that time together, Queen Elizabeth must walk on alone. I've no doubt that she will do so, for as long as she can. But today, she is newly bereft; she is facing the grief and shock of losing her life's partner. But he was 99 years old, you may say; no matter. Speaking as one who knows, it is impossible for a spouse to prepare for this final event in a marriage.
Today, Elizabeth is simply another lonely widow who dearly yearns to have just a few more moments with her beloved husband. In that longing, we are peers.
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| Wedding Day ~ November 20, 1947 |
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| Diamond Jubilee ~ 2007 |
