One of my favourite things about the Englishman is the tolerance and respect that we are taught to have for others. Sadly, this isn’t something that we always apply to our own. During the celebrations of a newborn king this week I received a message asking if I could explain why anyone in the 21st century would still care about a monarchy.
Here are some of the reasons why one could/should give two hoots about our monarchy if so disposed.
Tradition
William the Conqueror, Henry VIII, Bloody Mary, Queen Victoria… Our royal family are the descendants of a long and distinguished line of fascinating historical figures. I find the tales of honour and betrayal captivating and I believe many others would too if they were actually taught about them. Kudos must go to Gove for finally placing an importance on British history in the 2014 New Primary Curriculum. There is hope!
The monarchy is a huge draw for tourism into Great Britain, generating huge sums of revenue to our economy. Buckingham Palace, St James’ Palace, St Pauls Cathedral, the Changing of the Guard, Windsor Castle, Sandringham and all the other stately homes, historical buildings and royal traditions. I am sorry to break it to the anti-royalists but people aren’t coming into London for the weather!
The Queen is 86 years old and still working with no sign of entering retirement. Her highness is relied upon to make constant public engagements and charitable commitments. She has dealt with challenges throughout her reign with grace and quiet determination, always maintaining her poise. I do not envy her role at all but respect her work ethic wholeheartedly. This is something I believe many need to see publicly if they have no working role model at home to look up to.
Princess Diana showed continual compassion towards those in need and helped to make the lives of those less fortunate better. Prince Charles has achieved some fantastic things through his organisation, The Prince’s Trust. Prince William and Harry (along with many other royals) have served their country as members of the armed services. In today’s often anarchic society respectable role models are much needed. Take away our well to do monarchy and you remove the option for vulnerable young people to follow typical British traditions if they so wish. It would be a terribly sad day if the media were only to be filled with controversial, train crash celebrity pop culture lifestyles and inconsistent political leaders policies. Would you rather your daughter dressed like Rihanna, Katy Perry or Kate Middleton?
They are human
Beneath the crowns and tiaras the royals are people. They have a family like any other and they have their ups and downs, divorces and scandal. Unlike us common folk, every move they make is under spotlight and scrutiny. The families best times and worst times are in full public view yet somehow they have managed to stay far more grounded than many would in similar circumstance. Few people can forget the sight of two young boys following their mother’s funeral procession. How brave those boys appeared to be.
They are open to change
The Royal family may represent old tradition and values however the youngest generation are setting the scene for the future of the monarchy. William and Harry represent a monarchy that is much more in touch with its people, down to earth, hardworking and forward thinking. William is currently working as a search and rescue pilot. He has taken one week off of his annual leave before his two weeks paternity for the birth of his son like any other new parent would. Harry has been working on the front line in Afghanistan. People may make remarks about the privileged upbringing members of this family have had but realistically this is something they are simply born into that comes at quite a cost.
Community spirit
My Grandparents taught me that during the Second World War there was a spirit of camaraderie in England. Neighbours would support one another during difficult times. It seems as though now people have little time for each other. That our lives have become so busy that we infrequently make the time to enjoy the company of others. People come together for a royal event. Street parties, friends and family gatherings in celebration, community events, surely this isn’t something to squabble about.
[My Great Grandmother is photographed here cleaning the streets with her neighbours in preparation for the Queen's Coronation. Streets are lined with bunting and flags.]
[The Queen's coronation 1953]
They represent England
At a time when schools in London are banning Christmas nativities and political correctness and health and safety are eating away at our traditions I think it is important to remember that this IS England. If we don’t take care and preserve our traditions we loose an identity that has drawn so many here. England will simply become a culmination of every other culture that has chosen to make this island its home. If I were to travel to UAE today I would land during the month of Ramadan where it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. No exception is made for non-fasters, as this is the law of the land. We travel and respect other cultures but seem not to always value our own.
So these are some of the reasons I have sat in the rain on the edge of the Thames waiting to see the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee, have woken up in the middle of the night whilst in America to watch a royal wedding despite the time difference, and the reason I will continue to be excited by the birth of a future king!
