Long Live the Queen

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inThe Gift of DaysTags:

“The important thing is not what they think of me, but what I think of them.”

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria

William IV’s reign over the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Hanover came to an end on the 20th of June 1837.  His niece, Alexandrina Victoria, daughter of his brother, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, ascended to the throne on the same day.

Queen Victoria may have been 1.52 m or 4 feet, 11 inches tall, but her strength of mind and character was legendary.  On June 20, 1837, the archbishop of Canterbury and the lord chamberlain arrived at her residence in the early hours of the morning to inform her that she was now queen.  Queen Victoria did not keep her guests waiting.  She greeted them in her nightgown and shawl, her feet in slippers, tears in her eyes.  At eighteen, Queen Victoria embraced her calling.

“Since it has pleased Providence to place me in this station, I shall do my utmost to fulfil my duty towards my country.”

Queen Victoria, 1837

One hundred and fifteen years later, a new queen ascended the throne.  Queen Elizabeth II, like her great-great grandmother before her, graciously promised to serve her people.

“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine.  Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to worthy of your trust.”

Queen Elizabeth II, 1953

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

28 thoughts on “Long Live the Queen”

    1. I went to England a couple of years ago and fell in love with everything from the Tate Gallery to Stonehenge to Canterbury. I would love to visit again. I heard that there is a Homecoming Scotland 2014. Perhaps then. In the meantime, there is the Highland Games in New Westminster, B.C. The bagpipers will be on parade! Always appreciate your visits – Thank you!!

      Like

    1. I have often wondered if we could call this age the “Elizabethan Age revisited.”
      We have had the first Elizabethan Age, the Victorian Age and now I think our Queen should have an age named after her! 🙂

      Like

      2. This is an excellent, excellent link!!! The Queen’s joy was overwhelming and the Duke of York was there to present the trophy! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

        Like

    1. I agree wholeheartedly! Her journey is not easy – I cannot imagine being on call 24/7, but our Queen is indeed the quintessential monarch. 🙂

      Like

      2. Who was that delightful man? I tried to count how many times he jumped up and down in his seat and lost count along the way! Just watching him increased the excitement of the moment! I agree – her joy was totally spontaneous and utterly heartwarming. Have a great weekend! Off to see the dragonboat races! 🙂

        Like

  5. Yes, yes, two great women/queens. I have never heard anything but respect and love for the queen who now fills such an important place in history. i heard today that she was so happy that the royal horse won. Congratulations on a happy occasion!

    Like

  6. I have so much respect for the current queen and the job she has done. I truly can’t imagine being in the public eye. She is very dignified and in this day in age, that alone is something to be admired. I’ve missed reading your posts, Rebecca, with our busy summer around here. I have a lot of catching up to do!

    Like

    1. What I appreciate about our Queen is her compassion and respect for her people. Even in the darkest days she has been able to show her humanity and generous spirit.

      “In remembering the appalling suffering of war on both sides, we recognize how precious is the peace we have built in Europe since 1945.” Queen Elizabeth II

      It is always a pleasure to have your visit. The best thing about blogging is that you can always return when the time is right. The posts still are there to read… 🙂

      Like

  7. I have never heard anyone say a bad thing about this wonderful woman. What a lady! I understand she was very happy that the royal horse won!

    Like

    1. The Queen was once quoted as saying, “It’s all to do with the training: you can do a lot if you’re properly trained.”
      I had no idea that the royal horse won! I’m certain the Queen was very pleased – her horse must have been “properly trained.” 🙂

      Like

  8. An interesting post and a nice photo of Big Ben. As I read the line describing the moment Victoria was informed she was Queen I immediately thought of the comparison with our present Queen and then scrolled down to find that was your point. 🙂 There are a great many similarities between their dedication to duty, whilst the world has changed beyond all recognition.

    Neither Victoria or Elizabeth chose their place in the world, but accepted their role and served or serve with incredible dedication. We are all born into the world with different opportunities, but no matter how poor or deprived many of us have more freedom of choice than anyone born into royalty, let alone a future monarch. A timely thought with the next generation of the royal line due to be born in the next few days.

    Like

    1. About a month ago The Duke of York opened the Victoria B.C.’s 150th Highland Games. His words of welcome were generous and filled with genuine warmth. I was again reminded of the total dedication to duty that is exemplified by the entire Royal Family. You are so right, their days and lives are before the entire nation and beyond. I truly admire our Queen. Remember when she said: “Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of family disagreements.”

      Thank you so much for your presence and comments!! 🙂

      Like

    1. I was hoping it would turn out. Photography has a way of creating photos without the help of the photographer. Almost as if photos are meant to be…. 🙂

      Like

  10. Great post like always, the photo and the quotes are just perfect, two wonderful ladies.
    I been trying to go to UK, it just one of those place I have to go, when I went to Europe the last time, a friend did not let us go he said we were far away, yet we were so close, we travel to the Netherlands, Belgium and France. 😉

    Like

    1. Then – let’s pack our bags and head out into an adventure. I understand that Scotland has a 2014 Homecoming!! Wouldn’t that be great to see – all the bagpipers!!! 🙂

      Like

Comments are closed.