The current Hollywood slap-flap isn't worth my time to address, so let's skip across the pond for a story equally irrelevant to America's crushing problems. But I find Britain's Queen Elizabeth II much more worthy of attention.
Consider that this admirable model of grace and dignity is still doing her best to fulfill the duties of her day job--ever since the year 1952. Try to imagine getting up for work every day if you're 95 years old--and recently recovered from a bout with Covid-19. It's a mind-boggling accomplishment. But the news coverage is filled with endless accounts that the Queen is "canceling engagements," "suffering mobility issues," "using a walking stick," and tooling around the castle in a golf cart or wheelchair.
As my mother might have said, "What's it to you?" Not only is this woman 95 years old and still working, she's also been on her feet daily for 70 years. Don't you think she might be entitled to take a seat at this point? Isn't it a good idea to let her apply modern technology to hold her meetings on video? Doesn't it make sense for her to use a cane? Wouldn't you say it's logical for visitors to bring their display items to her instead of making her travel to crowded venues? My answer is "yes to all."
Yesterday, amid much melodramatic speculation, Queen Elizabeth attended the memorial service for her late husband, Prince Philip, in Westminster Abbey. She walked in on her own steam, using the storied walking stick and holding her son Prince Andrew's arm. This caused much consternation in public opinion and the media, considering Andrew's recent disgrace. I think he's a disgusting sleazeball, and the Queen was right to strip him of his honors and bar him from public life.
But think about it; Elizabeth is still doing her job. In selecting Andrew to escort her, she was protecting the monarchy and being a mother at the same time. Their sheltered entry at the side of the cathedral shielded them both from widespread scrutiny and prevented any unpleasantness that might have marred the special occasion.
Elizabeth is a queen, not an immortal. Time will run its course for her as for us all. Meanwhile, she is still one smart, dedicated, hard-working cookie. She seems like someone I'd love to have a cup of tea with. If she can carry on and be comfortable at the same time, I say that's brilliant. Here's to canes and golf carts. God save the Queen.
 |
| Queen Elizabeth II ~ March 2022 |
