God save the Queen!

We were transfixed before the TV yesterday, watching the coverage of the final day of the celebration of England’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee by the British Broadcasting Corporation. After the heartwarming ceremonies of opening day, where a flotilla of more than a thousand boats sailed down the famous Thames River, that the queen and her consort, Prince Philip, watched and participated in tirelessly, yesterday’s activities were more formal and, hence, more impressive.

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We were able to watch the religious services at St. Paul’s Cathedral where the solemnity and dignity of the ceremony was very touching. And in true British fashion, also very formal and inspiring. What other country in the world could organize and present such rituals that could, at the same time be so formal, and yet so full of admiration and affection that were expressed, not in the usual raucous manner of others, but with the very respectful and yet obvious enjoyment?

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The Queen, as usual, was clad in a very appropriate outfit, smart and attractive and yet dignified. However, it was quickly noted as she entered the church, that her ever-present husband, the faithful Prince Philip, was not at her side. It was later disclosed that he had suffered a bladder infection and had to be taken to the hospital. One could sense the concern on Her Majesty’s face, despite the fact that she tried her best to smile and acknowledge the cheers of the crowds.

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But we, who were watching on TV, just like the well-contained thousands waiting for her outside the church and down the streets, were also looking out for the royals, especially her grandsons, William and Harry and her new daughter-in-law, the beauteous Catherine, now Duchess of Cambridge. Never mind that Camilla, the so-called “third person” in the marriage of Prince Charles and the late beloved Princess Diana, was also there, walking beside the Prince. One could see that La Camilla’s looks have improved a bit, but how can she look better than Catherine?

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After the church rites, the Queen came out and I was anxious upon seeing her go down the steps by herself, without anybody offering her a hand to step down, and get inside her car to proceed to the medieval hall where a luncheon was held with various sectors of the population represented. From there, she and her family proceeded to Buckingham Palace for the balcony scene where she stood, flanked by (from left) Prince Charles and his Camilla, Prince William and Catherine, and Prince Harry. The crowd that had gathered was, I think, as big, or even bigger than the one also collected there for the wedding of William and Catherine.

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Oh what a beautiful, colorful and unforgettable program followed. There was the performance of the Irish Guards, so impressive in their bright red uniforms and towering black headgear, as they fired their salute and executed their moves, all precisely and almost mechanically. And then came the wonderful “fly past” where nine aircrafts of the Royal Air Force flew over the Palace and the crowds, eliciting cries of delight and appreciation from the crowd, still frantically waving their flags.

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Where the planes came back in a perfect V formation leaving trails of red, white and blue smoke, the crowds, that included children and babies, broke into cheers and applause and even the Queen, gave a big smile that was not lost on her admirers. She really looked very beautiful then, even showing a hint of a dimple on one cheek. What a queenly person she is indeed! Four days of ceremonies and rituals hadn’t fazed her, and I was truly amazed at her stamina – all 86 years on her – as she stood on her feet for what seemed hours for all the rituals.

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The British people could not seem to get enough of the woman who had been the symbol of their country for all those 60 years. And she has gone through it all like a true diamond, bright and sparkling, their model and inspiration. That was why the playing and singing of “God Save the Queen” sounded so meaningful and heartfelt. They really pray to the Lord to preserve this woman who has won all their hearts.*

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