Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 90th birthday on Thursday. Veteran CNN royal-watcher Roger Clark recalls the time he met the Queen, reflects on her six decades of public service and asks what it is that makes her so popular.
King George VI once told his daughter she wouldn’t remember most of the people she would meet in her life. But His Majesty said those very people would always remember the day THEY met HER.
I know exactly what he meant. I doubt the Queen tells her friends about the day she met me but let’s just say I’ve mentioned the occasion once or twice!
It was a meeting I’ll never forget — I think I even have a picture on the wall at home of us chatting together at Windsor Castle. I wanted to make a good impression. I’m not normally lost for words but I did struggle a bit that day.
I was covering the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and we’d asked the Palace if on the opening day, she would adjust her schedule by a few minutes to help the broadcasters. The Palace agreed.
So when I met Her Majesty, I thanked her for changing her schedule. Unfortunately, I pronounced it “SKedule” not “SHedule. I’d used the American pronunciation in front of the Queen AND in her Castle. Brilliant move! She gently corrected me and then laughed.
The King was right. I still remember our meeting, which is why, even during my years living in America, I never use the American pronunciation. And if any one questions me about it, I tell them to ring Buckingham Palace for an explanation!
Stage presence
When you meet the Queen, she tries to put you at ease. But it’s still nerve wracking. After I’d shaken her hand, I thought about all those world leaders, pop stars, sports legends and others who’ve shaken THAT hand. Despite being 5’4″ tall, the Queen has enormous presence when she enters the room. It’s a most unusual feeling.
My first encounter with Her Majesty came during her Silver Jubilee in 1977. She visited my hometown of Hull in the North of England. I wonder if she’d forgiven the city for rising up against one of her predecessors, King Charles I.
The protests had ignited the English Civil War that led to the King losing his head — and all future monarchs ruling not through the Divine Right, but with the blessing of their people. That first sight of the Queen was one I’ll always remember. We didn’t see her often in those days before 24 hour news.
Sure, she was on our stamps, our coins and her picture hung in the school assembly hall. But to see her in the flesh was quite something. I was with hundreds of choirboys that day singing to her. I really hope she doesn’t remember that!
Patience – more than a virtue
Over the years, I’ve seen the Queen in action on many Royal visits. God only knows how she does it. She travels all over the world, meets countless people, tries to ensure a routine day for her is a special day for those she meets.
One event after another, listening to and giving speeches, shaking endless outstretched hands and all with a smile on her face. It must be tough because, in truth, some of the speeches can be dull and some of the events are pretty boring.
But she can’t exactly yawn when she’s bored or, indeed, tired. And if she is bored or tired, you’d never know it.
Little is known about her
Despite being one of the most famous people in the world, very few of her subjects really know much about her.
e’s never given an interview, never written an autobiography. We know she likes horses, corgis and the outdoors. We know also that she’s a deeply religious person and has a sense of humor.
Apparently she’s an excellent mimic. But we know nothing about her politics or her views on anything remotely controversial.
Sense of duty
Some commentators have criticized her for being a bit remote as a mother. Yet when she put her grandmotherly responsibilities to Princes William and Harry first in the days after Princess Diana died, she was criticized for that too.
I remember that time very well and the angry mood of the British people — it was unprecedented. That week saw the biggest wobble of her reign. What a remarkable turnaround that just five years later, millions of people around the Commonwealth came onto the streets to celebrate her Golden Jubilee.
So why is the Queen so popular?
Well for a start she’s not a politician. She also stands for something and does not do knee-jerk reactions to some poll or focus group. Again, not a politician.
She’s seen as genuine, somebody who cares about her country, her Commonwealth and her people. In times of sadness and despair, people look to the Queen and her family for words of support. I remember her doing just that after the London bombings of 2005. She and her family are also there in times of joy to celebrate with us.
Remember that dramatic arrival with James Bond at the opening of the London Olympics? The Queen also provides a sense of continuity in a changing world.
Sure, there are people who would like to see an end of monarchy but they are few in number compared to those who, day in day out, welcome the Queen to their towns, cities and homes around the world. Her realms and territories extend across the globe. She’s monarch in places ranging from New Zealand in the south to Scotland in the north, taking in Australia, Canada and a host of Caribbean countries. She’s also Head of the Commonwealth — a 53-nation club whose membership numbers almost a third of the world’s population. On those occasions when millions turn up outside Buckingham Palace and sing God Save the Queen, they truly mean it.
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family.” So said the then Princess Elizabeth 69 years ago as she broadcast to the British Empire on her 21st birthday.
Now, as she celebrates her 90th birthday, we look back and know her life has indeed been a long and momentous one.
Happy Birthday Ma’am.
