One reason why we forget that the ideal of monarchy expressed in the British coronation rite was once the ideal of all Europe. The ideal has survived no-where else.
Soon, even conservatives will have to ask some unsentimental questions. Where was the royal displeasure when most needed? Where was that counterweight to political power? ‘Locked down,’ is the answer.
What inspired her vow to uphold the ideal of the knight-like servant-monarch? In part, the answer is: her parents. Happily and faithfully married, the Queen’s parents had a deep Christian faith. This faith bore fruit.
Like radicals in all corners of the world, instead of celebrating a leader and iconic figure, the government chose to make politics of the monarchy which has always stayed above the fray of politics.
For the generations of people who knew only Elizabeth as Queen, she held a near eternal place in the political landscape of the UK, Europe, and the world.
Placing one’s social role ahead of one’s personal preferences is certainly a sacrifice, but the assumption by some that such a sacrifice must make it impossible to live authentically or happily is far from being true.
