Friday 1 June 2012

Getting ready for the Jubilee weekend


 Apart from the Olympics, there’s another reason for the British to celebrate this year! The Queen celebrates 60 years of reigning, her Diamond Jubilee! 60 years? Imagine that! According to the omnipotent Wikipedia she was born in 1926 and her coronation took place in June the 2nd 1953 following the death of her father, George VI the previous year! She was so young when she became a Queen, only 27! She’s the second longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom after Victoria. If she keeps this up, and I believe that she will, for a couple more years, she’ll beat Victoria no doubt!

So, London and I assume the rest of the country and maybe parts of the Commonwealth (?) are getting dresses in red, white and blue with Union Jack decorations everywhere. The formal celebrations started earlier this year with the Queen controversially hosting all monarchs of the world, the most exclusive member’s club ever, in a formal luncheon in Buckingham Palace. Various other formal events took place earlier this year.

Lego Queen at the Hamleys

However, this weekend is the public’s turn to celebrate. Normally we have a bank holiday the last Monday of May, however, this was transferred to this Monday and due to the Jubilee, we got Tuesday the 5th as well! So, we have a 4-day long weekend ahead of us! Hooray! During this weekend, there’s a massive boat parade on Sunday on the Thames with the Queen also on a boat waving at the crowds. There are numerous street parties organised around the country and a massive concert with popular names (Kylie, Robbie, Tom Jones, Elton John etc) singing in front of the Buckingham Palace for some lucky ones who received a ticket through a ballot.

1953 - Coronation day

I can’t say I’m a royalist. I grew up in a country that turned its back to Monarchy and told the former King Constantine to simply pack his bags and leave, a decade before I was even born. However, I give them credit when needed. I love getting extra days off work. Last year we had the Royal wedding, this year we have the Jubilee! What’s not to like? To me, they are like posh celebrities. They do cost lots of money to the tax payers but act as proper tourist attractions! PS. Harry’s turned up to be very good looking.

Queen picture from the Silver Jubilee celebration (1977)

The Queen lives a very fascinating life, or at least used to when she was younger. She’s travelled all over the world and must have met the most numerous people than anyone alive from country leaders to artists to everyone! I wouldn’t like to be in her shoes though. She’s constantly under scrutiny, on the spotlight and having to cover up and be reliable for the whole family’s scandals and dirty stories. It also must not be very easy trying to keep some balances. Imagine that she had to deal with Churchill at a very young age or Thatcher later on. There are so many conspiracy theories around her, with the death of Diana being the most famous one.

Anyway, I hope you have a great weekend! See you soon.

13 comments:

  1. If I were British I would be a royalist. I am so against the abolishment of the monarchy just from the standpoint that it's been around so effing long! And Betty Windsor DOES pay taxes so the burden to the people isn't quite as great as once it was, true? (I don't know I'm making this up.)
    I think it would be an exciting time to be in London...

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    1. Just because it's being around for effing long, it doesn't mean it's right. :-) Yes, it's been really exciting in London. I'll tell you all about it soon.

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  2. PS: Have I told you lately how handsome you are?

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  3. I am a Royalist from living in New Zealand many years ago. Of course my family history goes back to Scottish and English kings.

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    1. That's very nice to know your roots. I don't know much about my family before three generations.

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  4. We are watching the procession on the Thames as I speak. What a joy! I am very proud of my British roots, and am crackers about the Queen. Jolly good fun !

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    1. It's been really nice to watch some of the celebrations on the TV.

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  5. I always wondered why Americans are so fascinated with the British monarchy, especially since we effectively gave GB the finger when we declared our independence. I often wondered if people in other countries celebrate our President the same way. Actually, I don't wonder that. I'm fairly certain no one wonders what our President does.

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    1. I don't know about your President and if he's celebrated around the globe. The Queen is generally well liked, so why not?
      About the fascination with them, it's like with the fancy rich celebrities, I think...

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  6. I detect a certain roylalist bent Nik... or is it all the perks that have persuaded you? It's been great to see how much people have embraced the 60th asnniversary; the 25th and in particular the 40th were rather less well celebrated. I think the Queen has done a very good job though, and all the changes in the world over that time... if only she could wirte an autobiography!

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    1. I agree. She's done a very well job and she's now more liked than before. Me? A royalist? Wouldn't say that. I don't want a king back in Greece. There's a fine mess there anyway. Here, it's fun to watch though

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  7. Oh, you just know the old bat had Di killed

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