Balcony wave set to crown jubilee events
Source: Agencies |
June 2, 2012, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE patriotic bunting is ready, the golden carriage on standby, the boats painted, the shops filled with royal souvenirs.
The normal ebb and flow of British life gives way in the next four days to a series of street parties, flotillas, outdoor concerts and, finally, the appearance of an elderly great-grandmother on her balcony to wave to her subjects.
At the heart of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations are an appreciation for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who is marking 60 years on the throne.
The queen was a vibrant woman of 25 when she became the head of state of a faltering post-war nation. Today at 86 she remains strong of heart and stout of spirit, refusing to let age slow her pace or dim her smile, which has grown more welcoming over the years.
Winston Churchill was prime minister when she became queen, and David Cameron, who wasn't born then, is Britain's leader now. Elizabeth herself has no political role. But her royal mystique, the centuries of history she embodies and her own discreet charisma help define the very idea of Britain for the world.
Alan Watson, a member of the House of Lords who has written a book about the queen, said the jubilee is a joyous occasion for many Britons who see the queen as a symbol of stability.
"These 60 years have been years of really dramatic change in the UK, the tectonic plates have moved," he said.
"The country has lost its empire and is no longer in the front rank of power, and I really think that change has been enormously eased by her and what she represents."
Elizabeth has weathered shaky times with her children, whose marriages have tended to break apart, and her popularity suffered after the 1997 death of Princess Diana, with some finding her response to the tragedy to be cold and out of touch.
But all evidence suggests the queen's connection to her subjects has recovered.
There was overwhelming support for Elizabeth in the Golden Jubilee bash in 2002, when 1 million people gathered in front of Buckingham Palace to greet to the queen.
Palace officials are hoping this simple show of affection will be repeated on Tuesday when the festivities climax with another balcony appearance.
The normal ebb and flow of British life gives way in the next four days to a series of street parties, flotillas, outdoor concerts and, finally, the appearance of an elderly great-grandmother on her balcony to wave to her subjects.
At the heart of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations are an appreciation for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who is marking 60 years on the throne.
The queen was a vibrant woman of 25 when she became the head of state of a faltering post-war nation. Today at 86 she remains strong of heart and stout of spirit, refusing to let age slow her pace or dim her smile, which has grown more welcoming over the years.
Winston Churchill was prime minister when she became queen, and David Cameron, who wasn't born then, is Britain's leader now. Elizabeth herself has no political role. But her royal mystique, the centuries of history she embodies and her own discreet charisma help define the very idea of Britain for the world.
Alan Watson, a member of the House of Lords who has written a book about the queen, said the jubilee is a joyous occasion for many Britons who see the queen as a symbol of stability.
"These 60 years have been years of really dramatic change in the UK, the tectonic plates have moved," he said.
"The country has lost its empire and is no longer in the front rank of power, and I really think that change has been enormously eased by her and what she represents."
Elizabeth has weathered shaky times with her children, whose marriages have tended to break apart, and her popularity suffered after the 1997 death of Princess Diana, with some finding her response to the tragedy to be cold and out of touch.
But all evidence suggests the queen's connection to her subjects has recovered.
There was overwhelming support for Elizabeth in the Golden Jubilee bash in 2002, when 1 million people gathered in front of Buckingham Palace to greet to the queen.
Palace officials are hoping this simple show of affection will be repeated on Tuesday when the festivities climax with another balcony appearance.
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