Crockham Hill May 2023 Newsletter - Flipbook - Page 4
Celebrating H.M. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Michael Court
There are very few of us in Crockham
Hill who remember that wet but
glittering June day in 1953 and the
coronation of our beautiful young
Queen. Still fewer are those who heard
her declare, when she was 18, that her
whole life would be devoted to our
service; and there is no one who does
not think the Queen has always been
part of their life. Her duty and service
are outstanding examples to us all.
With the unique support of the Duke of
Edinburgh, she has combined the roles
of monarch, wife, mother, and
grandmother.
She has moved with the times, presiding over a modern effective royal
family. Having trained them to have a commitment to public service and
royal duties, she let her children find their own way and make their own
mistakes. She has dealt with divorces, remarriages, and career changes in
the same way as she has sympathised with national tragedies - with
calmness and sympathy, always putting crown and country first.
She has been a unifying force for the nation, a constant presence, steering
the monarchy calmly and modestly, providing stability as the world and our
country have changed. She adapted slowly, with natural caution, always on
show, but never saying anything controversial.
With the help of the Duke of Edinburgh and her professional advisors, she
has plotted the evolution of the monarchy’s long-term strategy.
She is one of the best-informed people in the world, but she always has
taken advice. Although not entirely neutral, she never interferes with
politics – “Are you sure you are being wise?” is as far as she will go.
As wisdom and experience have succeeded her glamour and beauty, she
works with quiet diplomacy on the international scene and her unique
brand of magic and quiet magnetism has unravelled many difficult
incidents. Her state banquets, international tours, and dancing with world
leaders have all contributed to our country’s foreign policy successes.
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