The 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Queen Elizabeth II is a reminder of the lessons she taught us
There will never be another Queen Elizabeth II. During her 70 years on the throne, she became the standard bearer for public service. It was not only the longest reign in history but also one served with absolute grace and distinction.
Queen Elizabeth didn’t abdicate, even towards the end of her life, she understood the importance of her role.
The fact that there are entire generations who have lived under no other monarch speaks volumes of her time on the throne.
The 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Queen falls this Tuesday. And it is as good a time as ever to remind the nation of the lessons that she taught it. She was a calming presence at times of tumult, a figurehead who brought together the nation during times of joy and someone who led by example at all times, including during times of personal hardship.
It is worth paying tribute to King Charles III. The current incumbent has picked up seamlessly where his late mother left off. The idea of succeeding such a distinguished monarch would have been too daunting for others but what has been dubbed the “longest apprenticeship” has served the King well. He has put his own stamp on the Royal Family despite facing his own personal challenges.
There are members of the Royal Family who could well learn a lesson or two from the late Queen. Despite the trappings that come with a Royal life, she served the country and Commonwealth selflessly.
And as recent world events have shown, the influential role that the Monarchy plays in statecraft is not to be underestimated.